1988 Buick Reatta vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise 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 45 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 654 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Reatta | Elise |
Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 882 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 32 L |