1974 Buick Skylark vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 12 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1974 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Skylark weights approximately 227 kg more than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Skylark | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 54 L |
