1973 Buick Skylark vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 23 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 2 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 100 kg more than 1973 Buick Skylark.
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, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Skylark | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2429 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2880 mm |
