1978 Buick Regal vs. 1989 Volvo 460
To start off, 1989 Volvo 460 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 460 (110 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 460 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 376 kg more than 1989 Volvo 460.
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 460, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 460. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 1989 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Regal | 460 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1054 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
