1978 Buick Regal vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1989 Volvo 440 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 Volvo 440 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 370 kg more than 1989 Volvo 440.
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 Volvo 440, 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 (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 440. (175 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Regal | 440 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
