1978 Buick Regal vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 18 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
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 Volkswagen GTI, 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 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | GTI |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1412 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
