1974 Buick Skylark vs. 1985 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1985 Nissan Santana is newer by 11 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 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Skylark weights approximately 531 kg more than 1985 Nissan Santana. 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, 1985 Nissan Santana, 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, 1974 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Skylark | 1985 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Skylark | Santana |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2560 mm |
