1974 Buick Skylark vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 22 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1974 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 95 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, 1996 Buick Riviera, 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera 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. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Skylark | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Skylark | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 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 | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 75 L |
