1986 Buick Skylark vs. 1972 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Buick Skylark is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Escort (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1986 Buick Skylark. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Skylark weights approximately 270 kg more than 1972 Ford Escort.
Because 1972 Ford Escort 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 1972 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Buick Skylark (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Escort. 1986 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Skylark | 1972 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Escort |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2474 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2400 mm |
