1986 Buick Regal vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 1986 Buick Regal is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Regal (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 295 kg more than 1986 Buick Regal.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Regal (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Electra. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Regal | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Regal | Electra |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3030 mm |
