1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Reatta (165 HP) has 106 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 684 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Porsche 356 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 1956 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta, 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, 1988 Buick Reatta (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1956 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1956 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Reatta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Buick | Porsche |
| Model | Reatta | 356 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 52 L |
