1989 Buick Skylark vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 1989 Buick Skylark is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,625 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (92 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 256 kg more than 1989 Buick Skylark.
Because 1959 Rover P4 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 1959 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Buick Skylark (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P4. (168 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P4. 1989 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1959 Rover P4 has manual transmission. 1959 Rover P4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Skylark | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Buick | Rover |
| Model | Skylark | P4 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2625 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
