1987 Buick Skylark vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1987 Buick Skylark is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 1 kg more than 1987 Buick Skylark.
Because 1961 Ford Zodiac 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 1961 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Buick Skylark (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Skylark | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
