1990 BMW 316 vs. 1988 Buick Reatta
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 2 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 65 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 456 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. 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 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 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:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1988 Buick Reatta | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Reatta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
