1979 Buick Regal vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Xterra is newer by 27 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 205 kg more than 2006 Nissan Xterra.
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, 2006 Nissan Xterra, 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra (385 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Regal. (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 2006 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Regal | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4348 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
