1978 Buick Regal vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 11 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 195 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Regal | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Regal | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 218 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1235 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 |