1986 Buick Regal vs. 1978 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1986 Buick Regal is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Regal (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Regal | 1978 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Regal | Nova |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2830 mm |
