1978 Buick Regal vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 8 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 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 90 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 300 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1978 Buick Regal (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Regal | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Regal | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 224 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2630 mm |