2009 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Buick Regal
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 31 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 110 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1978 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Regal |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
