1986 BMW M5 vs. 1978 Buick Regal
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 89 kg more than 1978 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1978 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M5 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
