1988 BMW 316 vs. 2011 Buick Regal
To start off, 2011 Buick Regal is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick Regal (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 207 kg more than 2011 Buick Regal.
Because 1988 BMW 316 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 1988 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Buick Regal (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316. 2011 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2011 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2738 mm |
