1987 Buick Skylark vs. 1998 GMC Safari
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1987 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 765 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 1998 GMC Safari 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 1998 GMC Safari. 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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Skylark | 1998 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Skylark | Safari |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
