1996 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Buick Regal
To start off, 2004 Buick Regal is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Regal (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Regal weights approximately 211 kg more than 1996 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Buick Regal (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316. 2004 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 2004 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 66 L |
