1987 Buick Regal vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1987 Buick Regal is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Regal (276 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Regal weights approximately 526 kg more than 1978 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Buick Regal (489 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 1987 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Regal | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Regal | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
