1974 Buick Skylark vs. 2009 Buick Lucerne

To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 35 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1974 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 12 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick Lucerne. 2009 Buick Lucerne 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. 2009 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1974 Buick Skylark 2009 Buick Lucerne
Make Buick Buick
Model Skylark Lucerne
Year Released 1974 2009
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5724 cc 3880 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Horse Power 150 HP 227 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 366 Nm 321 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 2300 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1605 kg 1617 kg
Vehicle Length 5170 mm 5170 mm
Vehicle Width 1960 mm 1880 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2960 mm 2940 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 68 L