1988 Buick Skylark vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 20 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 7 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 83 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Focus 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 2008 Ford Focus. 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 (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus 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 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Focus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
