1978 Buick Regal vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1978 Buick Regal is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 305 kg more than 1978 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Regal. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (313 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Buick | Plymouth |
| Model | Regal | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2700 mm |
