1989 Buick Skylark vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1989 Buick Skylark is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Skylark weights approximately 66 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Ford Cortina 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 1977 Ford Cortina. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 1989 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Cortina 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 | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
