1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (231 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1988 Buick Reatta. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Reatta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 74 kg more than 1988 Buick Reatta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (405 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Reatta. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Reatta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Reatta | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 90 L |
