1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 165 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo weights approximately 102 kg more than 1988 Buick Reatta.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 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, 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Reatta. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Reatta. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 | 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Reatta | Monte Carlo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2960 mm |
