1990 Buick Skylark vs. 1979 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1990 Buick Skylark is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,259 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Carina. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick Skylark weights approximately 235 kg more than 1979 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Carina 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 1979 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Buick Skylark (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Carina. 1990 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Buick Skylark | 1979 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Skylark | Carina |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2259 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 61 L |
