1970 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Ford Focus

To start off, 2012 Ford Focus is newer by 42 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 5,724 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Skylark (195 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2012 Ford Focus. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 292 kg more than 2012 Ford Focus. 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, 2012 Ford Focus, 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 (393 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Focus. (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Focus. 2012 Ford Focus 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. 2012 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1970 Buick Skylark 2012 Ford Focus
Make Buick Ford
Model Skylark Focus
Year Released 1970 2012
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5724 cc 2000 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 195 HP 160 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 393 Nm 198 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 4450 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed automated manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1629 kg 1337 kg
Vehicle Length 5170 mm 4359 mm
Vehicle Width 1960 mm 1824 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1468 mm
Wheelbase Size 2850 mm 2649 mm