1986 Buick Skylark vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1986 Buick Skylark is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1986 Buick Skylark. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 730 kg more than 1986 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 466 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Buick Skylark. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Skylark | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Skylark | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2474 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3030 mm |
