1970 Buick Skylark vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 26 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1970 Buick Skylark. (155 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1970 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 170 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera.
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, 1996 Buick Riviera, 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1970 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1970 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Skylark | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Skylark | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5723 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5430 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2820 mm |
