1986 Buick Regal vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1986 Buick Regal. (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Regal.
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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Buick Regal. (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Regal | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Regal | 530 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
