1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Beetle 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 122 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 716 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Reatta | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 40 L |
