1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 39 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 12 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 512 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio. 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, 2012 Kia Rio, 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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio 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. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Skylark | Rio |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 43 L |
