1989 Buick Skylark vs. 1978 Lada 1600
To start off, 1989 Buick Skylark is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Skylark weights approximately 164 kg more than 1978 Lada 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Lada 1600 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 1978 Lada 1600. 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600. 1989 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1978 Lada 1600 has manual transmission. 1978 Lada 1600 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 | 1978 Lada 1600 | |
| Make | Buick | Lada |
| Model | Skylark | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
