1988 Buick Reatta vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 21 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 24 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 150 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 118 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 2009 BMW 118. 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, 2009 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Reatta. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Reatta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Reatta | 118 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 51 L |
