1977 Buick Regal vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick Regal would be higher. At 4,932 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1977 Buick Regal. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1977 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 42 kg more than 1977 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Buick Regal 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 1977 Buick Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Buick Regal. (334 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Buick Regal. 1977 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick Regal | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Regal | Altima |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4932 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2675 mm |
