2003 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Buick Regal. (270 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 298 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 2003 BMW M3. 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 (400 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Regal |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
