1984 Buick Skylark vs. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1984 Buick Skylark is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Buick Skylark (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 365 kg more than 1984 Buick Skylark.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1984 Buick Skylark. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Buick Skylark. (203 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Buick Skylark | 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Buick | Plymouth |
| Model | Skylark | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
