1989 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC70 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 3,200 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo XC70 (240 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1989 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 687 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 Volvo XC70 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Skylark | 2012 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Skylark | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 3200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4838 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1862 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1604 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2815 mm |
