1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 3,331 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 615 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Lotus Seven 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 1970 Lotus Seven. 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, 1988 Buick Skylark (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1970 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1970 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Skylark | Seven |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 34 L |
