1987 Buick Skylark vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1987 Buick Skylark is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Skylark weights approximately 245 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Cortina 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 1974 Ford Cortina. 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 1987 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Skylark | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
