1988 Buick Skylark vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 240 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Skylark | Elise |
Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 217 Nm | 181 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |