1978 Buick Regal vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 110 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2630 mm |
