1987 Buick Skylark vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Buick Skylark is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1987 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 435 kg more than 1987 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Skylark | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Skylark | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
