1996 BMW 535 vs. 1988 Buick Reatta
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 8 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, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 Buick Reatta. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Reatta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 74 kg more than 1988 Buick Reatta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 535 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 1996 BMW 535. 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Reatta. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Reatta. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 535 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:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1988 Buick Reatta | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 535 | Reatta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
