1986 Buick Skylark vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1986 Buick Skylark. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Skylark weights approximately 240 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 2005 Lotus Exige. 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Buick Skylark. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Buick Skylark. 1986 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige 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 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Skylark | Exige |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2474 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
