1978 Buick Regal vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 34 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
