1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1976 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Golf 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) has 90 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Golf. (75 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 716 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Golf. (119 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1976 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Reatta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
