1986 Buick Regal vs. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 17 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 35 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 5 kg more than 1986 Buick Regal.
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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Regal | 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Regal | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
