1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi weights approximately 294 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 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi 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 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. 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, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi 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 | 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | |
| Make | Buick | Ferrari |
| Model | Skylark | 512 BBi |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 4942 cc |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| 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 | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 120 L |
