1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada 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 53 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 261 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Granada 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 1981 Ford Granada. 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Granada has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Granada 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 | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Reatta | Granada |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2780 mm |
