1988 Buick Skylark vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 211 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
