1978 Buick Regal vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 31 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 345 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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 (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Regal | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2650 mm |
