1978 Buick Regal vs. 2005 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2005 Kia Spectra is newer by 27 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, 2005 Kia Spectra (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Spectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 140 kg more than 2005 Kia Spectra.
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, 2005 Kia Spectra, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Spectra. (192 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Spectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2005 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Regal | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
