1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1974 Rover 3.5. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1974 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 433 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Because 1974 Rover 3.5 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 Rover 3.5. 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Buick | Rover |
| Model | Skylark | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
