1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 31 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (176 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1973 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 205 kg more than 1973 Buick Skylark. 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | Skylark | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
