1989 Buick Reatta vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1989 Buick Reatta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Caterham 1700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Caterham 1700 would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Reatta (165 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Reatta weights approximately 989 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Caterham 1700 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 1985 Caterham 1700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Buick Reatta (285 Nm) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm). This means 1989 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1989 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Reatta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Reatta | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | Buick | Caterham |
| Model | Reatta | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1532 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2240 mm |
