1986 Buick Regal vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 23 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 65 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Regal weights approximately 243 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 1986 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
