1971 Buick Skylark vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1971 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Skylark weights approximately 33 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1971 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1971 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Skylark | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
