1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage 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, 2012 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1973 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 103 kg more than 2012 Kia Sportage.
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 Sportage, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sportage. (364 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sportage. 2012 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Skylark | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 58 L |
