1987 Buick Regal vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 25 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1987 Buick Regal. (137 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 515 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.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Regal. (246 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Regal | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Regal | M3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3128 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
