1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1973 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 144 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 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 | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
