1971 Buick Skylark vs. 1987 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1987 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Skylark weights approximately 835 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1971 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Skylark | 1987 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
