1987 Buick Regal vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Regal would be higher. At 2,843 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1987 Buick Regal. (135 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1987 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Buick Regal, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Regal. (244 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Regal | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Regal | 520 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2843 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
