1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1990 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 2 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 420 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Because 1990 Ford Thunderbird 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 1990 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1990 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2880 mm |
