Buick Regal

Buick Regal: generations — what actually changed in the numbers

The catalogue lists 8 generations. Names are kept as in the data: 6 generation, restyling 3 is a separate line from 6 generation.

The catalogue lists 8 generations. Names are kept as in the data: 6 generation, restyling 3 is a separate line from 6 generation.

1 generation (1973–1977, Coupe, RWD) is the only generation with an 8-cylinder engine. The 5.7 MT at 177 hp is 71 hp above the 3.8 MT at 106 hp. Kerb weight sits at 1725–1836 kg with an 83 L tank — the largest tank in the line.

2 generation (1978–1987, Coupe, RWD) cuts kerb weight to 1430–1507 kg (295 kg lighter than the lightest 1 generation 3.8 MT at 1725 kg) and the tank to 68 L (−15 L). Turbo appears on 3.8 AT: 152, 167 and 172 hp versus naturally aspirated 3.8 AT at 106, 112 and 117 hp. The 172 hp Turbo 3.8 AT is 66 hp above the 106 hp 3.8 AT.

3 generation (1988–1997, Coupe) switches to FWD. Peak output is the 3.8 AT at 175 hp — 3 hp above the 2 generation Turbo 3.8 AT at 172 hp, without Turbo. The only measured sprint is the 3.1 AT at 162 hp: 11.4 s to 100 km/h, 203 km/h, mixed 10 L/100 km. Tank 63 L. Clearance 150 mm.

4 generation (1997–2008, Sedan) is the last generation built around a large V-shaped 6. The naturally aspirated 3.8 AT (203 hp) reaches 100 km/h in 9.5 s and 223 km/h; the Compressor 3.8 AT (243 hp) does 8.2 s and 236 km/h — 40 hp more, 1.3 s quicker, 13 km/h higher. Tank 66 L. Clearance 150 mm.

5 generation (2009–2013, Sedan) is where Turbo 2.0 and a 6-speed gearbox arrive, and where fuel use is measured for several versions. FWD 2.0 MT 223 hp: 7.4 s; FWD 2.0 AT 223 hp: 7.6 s (Automatic costs 0.2 s and 0.9 L/100 km mixed: 10.7 versus 9.8). AWD 2.0 MT 249 hp: 7.8 s, 240 km/h; AWD 2.0 AT 249 hp: 7.9 s, 237 km/h. The 1.6 MT LPG (112 hp) is the slowest (13.5 s, 192 km/h) and the lowest mixed figure (7.6 L/100 km). Clearance 160 mm (+10 mm versus 4 generation). Tank 70 L.

5 generation, restyling (2013–2017, Sedan) raises the Turbo 2.0 AT from 223/249 hp to 259 hp. 0–100 is 6.6 s for both FWD (1665 kg) and AWD (1796 kg) — AWD adds 131 kg and does not change the published sprint. The naturally aspirated 2.4 AT moves from 170 hp (5 generation) to 182 hp and from 9.8 s to 9.2 s. Wheel sizes appear: 235/50 R17, 235/50 R18, 245/40 R19, 235/35 R20.

6 generation (2017–, Liftback) drops the tank to 62 L (−8 L) and splits the 2.0 AT into 8-speed AWD (400 Nm) and 9-speed FWD (354 Nm). Peak power of the four-cylinder is 250 hp — 9 hp below the restyled 5 generation 2.0 AT at 259 hp. The 3.7 AT (310 hp, V-shaped 6, No boost, AWD, 9-speed) is the most powerful Regal in the file. 0–100, top speed and consumption for this generation are not measured.

6 generation, restyling 3 (2025–, Sedan) is a two-version FWD 9-speed pair: 1.5 i Turbo AT (160 hp, 250 Nm, 1499 cc, Turbo) and 2.0 i AT (237 hp, 350 Nm, 1998 cc, boost not measured). Kerb weight, tank, 0–100, top speed and consumption are not measured.

Engines and specs

Power per litre (hp ÷ litres from the listed cc): 6 generation 2.0 AT 250 hp / 1.998 L = 125.1 hp/L; 5 generation, restyling 2.0 AT 259 hp = 129.6 hp/L; 5 generation 2.0 AT 223 hp = 111.6 hp/L; 5 generation 2.0 AT 249 hp = 124.6 hp/L; 6 generation 3.7 AT 310 hp / 3.649 L = 85.0 hp/L; 4 generation Compressor 3.8 AT 243 hp / 3.791 L = 64.1 hp/L; 1 generation 5.7 MT 177 hp / 5.724 L = 30.9 hp/L; 6 generation, restyling 3 1.5 i Turbo AT 160 hp / 1.499 L = 106.7 hp/L; 2.0 i AT 237 hp / 1.998 L = 118.6 hp/L.

Engine placement, where listed: Front, transverse from 3 generation onward (where filled); Front, longitudinal on 1 and 2 generation. Injection: Direct injection (direct) on Turbo 2.0 from 5 generation, restyling and 6 generation; Distributed injection (multi-point) on many 3–5 generation engines; Carburetor on 2 generation. Fuel grade 95 on most Gasoline versions; 92 on 5 generation 2.4 AT/2.4 MT and 4 generation 2.5 AT and naturally aspirated 3.8 AT 203 hp. LPG 1.6 MT fuel grade is not measured.

Performance and economy (mpg)

Measured 0–100 km/h, fastest to slowest among figures that exist: 5 generation, restyling 2.0 AT FWD and AWD 6.6 s; 5 generation 2.0 MT 223 hp 7.4 s; 2.0 AT 223 hp 7.6 s; 2.0 MT 249 hp 7.8 s; 2.0 AT 249 hp 7.9 s; 4 generation Compressor 3.8 AT 8.2 s; 5 generation, restyling 2.4 AT 9.2 s; 4 generation 3.8 AT 203 hp 9.5 s; 5 generation 2.4 AT and 2.4 MT 9.8 s; 3 generation 3.1 AT 1513 kg 11.4 s; 4 generation 2.2 AT 12.3 s; 2.5 AT 12.8 s; 5 generation 1.6 MT 13.5 s. All 6 generation and 6 generation, restyling 3 0–100 values are not measured. All 1 and 2 generation 0–100 values are not measured. 4 generation 3.0 AT 0–100 is not measured.

Top speed, where measured: 5 generation AWD 2.0 MT 249 hp 240 km/h; AWD 2.0 AT 249 hp 237 km/h; 4 generation Compressor 3.8 AT 236 km/h; 3.8 AT 203 hp 223 km/h; 5 generation 2.4 AT/2.4 MT 205 km/h; 3 generation 3.1 AT 203 km/h; 1.6 MT 192 km/h; 4 generation 2.5 AT 173 km/h; 2.2 AT 170 km/h. Everything else: not measured.

Mixed consumption, lowest to highest among measured rows: 1.6 MT LPG 7.6 L/100 km (city 10.6, highway 5.9); 4 generation Compressor 3.8 AT 9.5 (city 15.7, highway 9.0); 5 generation AWD 2.0 MT 9.6 (city 14.0, highway 7.0) and 4 generation 3.8 AT 203 hp 9.6 (city 14.8, highway 8.9); 5 generation FWD 2.0 MT 223 hp 9.8 (city 11.8, highway 7.3) and AWD 2.0 AT 249 hp 9.8 (city 14.3, highway 7.2); 3 generation 3.1 AT 10.0 (city 14.0, highway 8.8); FWD 2.0 AT 223 hp 10.7 (city 13.1, highway 8.4). 2 generation mixed figures run 10.2–12.4 L/100 km. 6 generation, restyling 3, and most 4-cylinder restyle figures: not measured. CO2 is not measured on every version.

Dimensions and weight

Lightest kerb in the file: 2 generation 3.2 MT 91 hp and 3.8 MT 106 hp at 1430 kg. Heaviest current 6 generation: 2.0 AT AWD 1858 kg. Heaviest overall: 1 generation 5.7 AT 147/162/167 hp at 1836 kg — 22 kg below that 1858 kg AWD Liftback.

Kg per horsepower (kerb ÷ hp), selected: 6 generation 3.7 AT 1722/310 = 5.55; FWD 2.0 AT 1551/250 = 6.20; AWD 2.0 AT 1683/250 = 6.73; AWD 2.0 AT 1858/250 = 7.43; 5 generation, restyling FWD 2.0 AT 1665/259 = 6.43; AWD 2.0 AT 1796/259 = 6.93; 2.4 AT 1633/182 = 8.97; 5 generation 1.6 MT 1503/112 = 13.42; 4 generation Compressor 3.8 AT 1645/243 = 6.77; 2 generation Turbo 3.8 AT 172 hp 1507/172 = 8.76; 1 generation 5.7 MT 177 hp 1795/177 = 10.14.

Gross weight, where listed: 5 generation 1.6 MT 2020 kg; FWD 2.0 223 hp 2155 kg; AWD 2.0 MT 249 hp 2155 kg; AWD 2.0 AT 249 hp 2290 kg; 4 generation 3.8 AT 203 hp 2020 kg; Compressor 3.8 AT 2085 kg. All 6 generation, restyling 3, 3 generation, 2 generation, 1 generation gross: not measured.

Ground clearance: 160 mm on 5 generation; 150 mm on 3 and 4 generation; not measured on 1, 2, 6 generation and 6 generation, restyling 3.

Tanks: 83 L (1 generation), 68 L (2), 63 L (3), 66 L (4), 70 L (5 and restyling), 62 L (6 generation), not measured (restyling 3).

Wheels: 5 generation 215/60 R16, 225/55 R17, 245/45 R18 on 1.6 MT; 225/55 R17 and 245/45 R18 on Turbo 2.0. Restyling adds 235/50 R17, 235/50 R18, 245/40 R19, 235/35 R20. Other generations: not measured.

Suspension, where filled: Independent, spring front on all listed rows; Independent, spring rear from 3 generation on (4 generation 2.2 AT/2.5 AT/3.0 AT rear not measured); 2 generation rear Dependent, spring. Brakes: Ventilated disc front from 3 generation; Disc front on 1, 2 and 4 generation; rear Disc from 3 generation on (earlier Drum on 2 generation; 4 generation 2.2 AT/2.5 AT/3.0 AT rear not measured).

Which version to choose

Buy 6 generation if you want a current Liftback. Choose 2.0 AT FWD (250 hp, 354 Nm, 9-speed, 1551 kg) when mass and gear count matter: it is the lightest 6 generation car, 46 Nm below the AWD 400 Nm tune but three extra ratios versus the 8-speed AWD. Choose 2.0 AT AWD 1683 kg when you want 400 Nm and AWD without the 1858 kg kerb; the 1858 kg 2.0 AT AWD is the same 250 hp / 400 Nm / 8-speed package with 175 kg more than 1683 kg. Choose 3.7 AT when peak power wins: 310 hp is 60 hp above every 2.0 AT, 384 Nm sits 16 Nm below the 400 Nm Turbo four, and 5.55 kg/hp beats 6.20 kg/hp of the light FWD four. 0–100, top speed and mpg for all four are not measured, so this ranking is power, torque, mass and drive only.

Buy 6 generation, restyling 3 if the date is 2025+ Sedan. 2.0 i AT (237 hp, 350 Nm) is 77 hp and 100 Nm above 1.5 i Turbo AT (160 hp, 250 Nm) on the same FWD 9-speed Automatic. Weight is not measured, so kg/hp cannot be compared. Boost on 2.0 i AT is not measured.

Buy 5 generation, restyling for the fastest measured sprint. 2.0 AT FWD 259 hp at 6.6 s and 1665 kg is the default; 2.0 AT AWD 259 hp is the same 6.6 s with 131 kg extra — AWD here is not a time penalty in the data. 2.0 MT 259 hp matches power and FWD mass (1665 kg) but 0–100 is not measured. Skip 2.4 AT 182 hp unless 92-grade fuel on the earlier 2.4 is the goal: this restyle 2.4 uses 95 and is still 77 hp and 2.6 s behind the Turbo.

Buy 5 generation (2009–2013) if you need a measured consumption figure. Lowest mixed: 1.6 MT LPG 7.6 L/100 km at the cost of 13.5 s and 112 hp. Fastest in this generation: FWD 2.0 MT 223 hp at 7.4 s; Automatic on the same 223 hp engine adds 0.2 s and 0.9 L/100 km mixed. AWD 2.0 MT 249 hp is the highest top speed in the whole model (240 km/h) and mixed 9.6 — 0.2 L/100 km below FWD 2.0 MT 223 hp despite 26 hp more, because highway is 7.0 versus 7.3. AWD 2.0 AT 249 hp is 130 kg heavier than the AWD 2.0 MT (1785 versus 1655 kg) and 0.1 s slower. 2.4 AT and 2.4 MT (170 hp, 92 fuel, Euro 4) both 9.8 s and 205 km/h; gearbox does not change the published sprint.

Buy 4 generation for Compressor versus large naturally aspirated 6. Compressor 3.8 AT 243 hp versus 3.8 AT 203 hp: +40 hp, +75 Nm, 8.2 versus 9.5 s, 236 versus 223 km/h, mixed 9.5 versus 9.6 — almost the same fuel for a clearly quicker car, with kerb 1645 versus 1570 kg (+75 kg). 3.0 AT 172 hp has no 0–100. 2.5 AT 152 hp is slower than 2.2 AT 124 hp (12.8 versus 12.3 s); kerb is not measured, so the cause is not in the data. 2.2 AT is the only 4-cylinder in this generation.

Buy 3 generation only as a FWD Coupe with a 4-speed Automatic. The two 3.1 AT 162 hp rows differ by 35 kg (1478 versus 1513 kg); only the 1513 kg row has 11.4 s, 203 km/h and mixed 10 L/100 km. The two 3.8 AT 175 hp rows differ by 18 kg (1504 versus 1522 kg); 0–100 not measured. 2.8 AT 120 hp is the weakest 3 generation engine; torque not measured.

Buy 2 generation for RWD mass, not for power density. Even the 172 hp Turbo 3.8 AT at 1507 kg (8.76 kg/hp) is heavier per horsepower than a 6 generation FWD 2.0 AT. The 91 hp 3.2 MT is the lightest Regal (1430 kg) and the lowest peak power. Distinguish 3.8 AT by output: 106, 112, 117 hp naturally aspirated versus 152, 167, 172 hp Turbo. Mixed 10.2 L/100 km appears on 3.2 MT 91 hp and 3.2 AT 107 hp; Turbo mixed is 11.2–11.8.

Buy 1 generation only if the 8-cylinder 5.7 is the point. Peak 5.7 MT 177 hp is 133 hp below 6 generation 3.7 AT 310 hp and 31.4 kg/hp worse than that Liftback’s 5.55. The 3.8 fours-of-six at 106–112 hp overlap 2 generation outputs at 295 kg more kerb. Tank 83 L is the range argument; consumption is not measured.

Problems and reliability. This dataset has no failure rates, recalls or service intervals. Those items are not measured here; do not infer them from power or Euro class. Euro 5 is listed on 5 generation Turbo 2.0 versions; Euro 4 on 1.6 MT and both 2.4 versions; later and earlier generations: not measured.

Short map. Fastest measured: 5 generation, restyling 2.0 AT 6.6 s. Strongest listed: 6 generation 3.7 AT 310 hp. Lightest current four: 6 generation 2.0 AT FWD 1551 kg. Lowest mixed: 5 generation 1.6 MT 7.6 L/100 km. Highest top speed: 5 generation 2.0 MT 249 hp AWD 240 km/h. Only Compressor: 4 generation 3.8 AT 243 hp. Only LPG: 1.6 MT. Only 8-cylinder: 1 generation 5.7. Only Liftback: 6 generation. 2025 Sedan: 1.5 i Turbo AT or 2.0 i AT.