1988 Buick Reatta vs. 2003 Ford Ka
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Reatta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Reatta 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 96 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 574 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. 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 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Ka 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 | 2003 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Reatta | Ka |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 40 L |
