1988 Buick Reatta vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 24 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 22 more horse power than 2012 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 196 kg more than 2012 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 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, 1988 Buick Reatta (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 118. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Reatta | 118 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 51 L |
