1978 Buick Regal vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 451 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.
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, 2010 Lotus Elise (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Regal | Elise |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2941 mm |
