1973 Buick Skylark vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1973 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 9 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Buick Skylark. (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Skylark | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
