1978 Buick Regal vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 38 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Regal | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
