1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 236 kg more than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Reatta | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
