Not apples to apples. That $36k Regal is pretty much loaded, the 323i and C250 are pretty basic. The Regal Turbo starts at $34k.
The Malibu V6 is the GM equivalent model to the Fusion. Buick as a whole is moving back upmarket, where it always used to be. For some that won't make sense, for others it will. I like the Fusion a lot, but I like the Regal too. It would be a difficult choice.
well, they aren't that far apart...keep in mind, in premium brands, a lot of the features that are "standard" are extras in lower brands...that is part of why their starting price is higher...in many cases, things like "Automatic Lights, Automatic Climate Control, Leather Seats" are all standard, but may be optional on "lesser priced" vehicles.
i drove a Fusion SEL with the 2.5L I4 a couple of weeks ago...it was a nice ride, and the car was well equipped with leather and the "Moon & Tunes" package so it had the Sony 12 speaker audio system...while the car was no "street racer", i found the engine to be adequate for what i would need...i did find the Sonata to be "quicker and more nimble" in feel, but it might be more of a "feel" than true real world results...with the deals Ford is having the $31k price was down to $26k...i would say the loaded up SEL with the 2.5 I4 engine is very comparable with the Regal, and is substantially less expensive...GM might say "No, the Fusion competes with the Malibu, the Regal is much higher end than a Fusion", but why?...the Fusion looks great (i don't mind the Buick either, but i do like the Fusion looks better, it just looks more like a "sport sedan", even though it isn't one), it has a great interior (in the SEL trim), a great sound system, and about the same power as the Buick, yet costs $10k less...sure, some of that difference is due to the incentives on now, but even at full MSRP, it is $5k less.
we keep having this debate...i don't think anyone is saying the Buick is crap, it just doesn't seem to "fit" in the category that GM is saying it is...when compared against other true "Sports Sedans", it fails flat out...i have yet to read one review, from any reviewer, say anything positive about the powertrain...honestly, if i wanted this car, instead of paying $36k for it, i would wait 3 years, and get a lease return for $15k.