1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Buick Reatta. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Reatta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 356 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911.
Because 1978 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 911. (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 911. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1978 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1978 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Buick | Porsche |
| Model | Reatta | 911 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
