1989 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1989 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 419 kg more than 1989 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Skylark | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Skylark | Impala |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2807 mm |
