1984 Buick Skylark vs. 2008 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (302 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1984 Buick Skylark. (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1984 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 496 kg more than 1984 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (446 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Buick Skylark. (203 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Buick Skylark | 2008 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Skylark | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 4701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 446 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1746 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3340 mm |
