1996 BMW 525 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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Regal (220 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 155 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 525 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 525. 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2012 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 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 525 | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 525 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 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 | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
