1978 Buick Regal vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima (197 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 110 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (271 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Regal | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
