1989 Buick Skylark vs. 1980 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1989 Buick Skylark is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,344 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Skylark (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Skylark weights approximately 116 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Holden Commodore 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 1980 Holden Commodore. 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 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 1989 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1980 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1980 Holden Commodore 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 | 1980 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Skylark | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3344 cc | 1890 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1276 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
