1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 1989 Volvo 480 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 190 kg more than 1989 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 480. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 480 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 | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Skylark | 480 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
