1979 Buick Regal vs. 1986 Subaru XT
To start off, 1986 Subaru XT is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Regal would be higher. At 4,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Subaru XT (147 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Subaru XT should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 217 kg more than 1986 Subaru XT.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Subaru XT, 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, 1979 Buick Regal (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Subaru XT. (211 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Subaru XT. 1979 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1986 Subaru XT has manual transmission. 1986 Subaru XT will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 1986 Subaru XT | |
| Make | Buick | Subaru |
| Model | Regal | XT |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4348 cc | 2672 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2470 mm |
