1996 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Buick Reatta
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Reatta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Reatta would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1989 Buick Reatta. (165 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Reatta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1989 Buick Reatta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Reatta. (285 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Reatta. 1989 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 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:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1989 Buick Reatta | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Reatta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
