1988 Buick Skylark vs. 2009 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2009 Ford Ranger is newer by 21 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Ranger (207 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 183 kg more than 2009 Ford Ranger.
Because 2009 Ford Ranger 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 2009 Ford Ranger. 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, 2009 Ford Ranger (323 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Ranger 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 | 2009 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1022 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 74 L |
