1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1996 Fiat 131
To start off, 1996 Fiat 131 is newer by 8 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 3,331 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 131. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Fiat 131 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 1996 Fiat 131. 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, 1988 Buick Skylark (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 131. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat 131 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 | 1996 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Buick | Fiat |
| Model | Skylark | 131 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
