1973 Buick Skylark vs. 1989 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 16 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1973 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 81 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera.
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, 1989 Buick Riviera, 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1973 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1973 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Buick Skylark | 1989 Buick Riviera | |
Make | Buick | Buick |
Model | Skylark | Riviera |
Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5724 cc | 3800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1524 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2760 mm |