1978 Buick Regal vs. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 25 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 139 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Regal | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2850 mm |
