Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1981 Regal.
The 1981 Buick Regal overview presents a model whose reliability record, as tracked from 1990 through 2020, shows a peak of 325 complaints in 1998 and a low of just a single complaint in 2008, illustrating a marked improvement in dependability over the later part of its lifespan. This contrast between the high‑complaint year and the near‑problem‑free 2008 model year situates the 1981 Regal within a broader trend of increasing reliability for the line. Consequently, researchers can view the 1981 example as an early benchmark before the later gains reflected in the complaint history.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 200.8 in |
| Overall width | 71.7 in |
| Overall height | 54.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in |
| Curb weight | 3285 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Regal of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Indy Pace Car T-Top Cabriolet 4.1L V6 | 7.50 sec | 16.00 sec | 125 hp | RWD |
| 1984 | T-Type Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 8.00 sec | 16.00 sec | 200 hp | RWD |
| 1985 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 7.50 sec | 15.70 sec | 200 hp | RWD |
| 1986 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 4.90 sec | 13.90 sec | 235 hp | RWD |
| 1986 | T-Type Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 5.85 sec | 14.30 sec | 235 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 5.40 sec | 14.20 sec | 245 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 6.00 sec | 14.70 sec | 245 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 6.10 sec | 14.70 sec | 245 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
"TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TIRE COULD PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. Remedy: THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE. Remedy: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.