1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 101 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 691 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Reatta | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
