1986 Buick Regal vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 1989 Volvo 480 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Regal (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Regal weights approximately 490 kg more than 1989 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Buick Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 480, 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 Regal (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 480. (141 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 480. 1986 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 480 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Regal | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Regal | 480 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
