1978 Buick Regal vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (165 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 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 47 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Regal | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
