1989 Buick Skylark vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1989 Buick Skylark is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 81 kg more than 1989 Buick Skylark.
Because 1981 Ford Granada 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 1981 Ford Granada. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1989 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Granada has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Granada 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 | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Granada |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2780 mm |
