1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1963 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 655 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Buick Riviera 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 1963 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1963 Buick Riviera (603 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1963 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Skylark | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 6571 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 75 L |
