1963 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1986 Buick Skylark is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1986 Buick Skylark. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 690 kg more than 1986 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Buick Riviera 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 1963 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Buick Skylark, 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, 1963 Buick Riviera (603 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Buick Skylark. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Buick Riviera | 1986 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2630 mm |
