1973 Buick Skylark vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1978 Toyota Tercel 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 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 745 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1973 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Skylark | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2510 mm |
