1978 Buick Regal vs. 1997 Rover 800
To start off, 1997 Rover 800 is newer by 19 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, 1997 Rover 800 (173 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Rover 800 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1978 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Rover 800, 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, 1997 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 1997 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Buick | Rover |
| Model | Regal | 800 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 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 | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2780 mm |
