1986 Buick LeSabre vs. 1978 Buick Regal
To start off, 1986 Buick LeSabre is newer by 8 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick LeSabre (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 70 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, 1986 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1986 Buick LeSabre (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick LeSabre | 1978 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | LeSabre | Regal |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
