1972 Buick Skylark vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,722 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Skylark weights approximately 38 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1972 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 1972 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1972 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Skylark | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5722 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
