1990 Buick Skylark vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1990 Buick Skylark is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1990 Buick Skylark. (110 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1990 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 525 kg more than 1990 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Buick Skylark. (183 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Buick Skylark | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Skylark | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
