1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Buick Reatta. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Reatta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 366 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (263 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Capri 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 | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Reatta | Capri |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 263 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2570 mm |
