1979 Buick Regal vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Altima is newer by 25 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 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 69 kg more than 2004 Nissan Altima.
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, 2004 Nissan Altima, 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, 2004 Nissan Altima (244 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Regal. (217 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Regal | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2830 mm |
