1996 BMW 523 vs. 1978 Buick Regal
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1978 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1978 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 523 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
