1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1976 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fairlane. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 247 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Because 1976 Ford Fairlane 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 1976 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1976 Ford Fairlane (328 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1976 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
