1996 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal is newer by 16 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Regal (220 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 355 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, 2012 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, 2012 Buick Regal (352 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316. 2012 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. 2012 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
