1978 Buick Regal vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 133 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.
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 Passat, 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 Passat (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2803 mm |
