1974 Buick Skylark vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1974 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 510 kg more than 1974 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Buick Skylark. (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Buick Skylark. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1974 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1974 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Buick Skylark | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
Model | Skylark | Toronado |
Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5724 cc | 7446 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 265 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 518 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 2115 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2040 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 3110 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 91 L |