1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,722 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 61 kg more than 1972 Buick Skylark.
Because 1972 Buick Skylark 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 1972 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Riviera, 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, 1972 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1972 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1972 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1972 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 5722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 68 L |
