1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 560 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Because 1976 Buick Riviera 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 1976 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark, 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 1988 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 3331 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
