1970 Buick Skylark vs. 1986 Ford Orion
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,723 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Skylark (155 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 990 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Buick Skylark 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 1970 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion, 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, 1970 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Skylark | 1986 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Orion |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5723 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5430 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
