1996 Buick Skylark vs. 1984 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1996 Buick Skylark is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 3,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Skylark (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1984 Ford Sierra. (75 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Skylark weights approximately 283 kg more than 1984 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Ford Sierra 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 1984 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Buick Skylark (252 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Sierra. (119 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Sierra. 1996 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Skylark | 1984 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Skylark | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3130 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1323 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 60 L |
