1978 Buick Regal vs. 2009 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2009 Saturn Astra 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 Saturn Astra (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 150 kg more than 2009 Saturn Astra.
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 Saturn Astra, 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Astra. (125 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2009 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Regal | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2620 mm |
