Which Buick Reatta Version Should You Buy?
The Buick Reatta catalogue contains one generation, produced from 1988 through 1991, with a Cabrio body and two listed versions. Both versions carry the exact name 3.8 AT and share the same engine, transmission, performance, chassis, and clearance figures. The deciding specification is kerb weight: one 3.8 AT weighs 1,630 kg and the other weighs 1,540 kg.
The Buick Reatta catalogue contains one generation, produced from 1988 through 1991, with a Cabrio body and two listed versions. Both versions carry the exact name 3.8 AT and share the same engine, transmission, performance, chassis, and clearance figures. The deciding specification is kerb weight: one 3.8 AT weighs 1,630 kg and the other weighs 1,540 kg. With no price, equipment, interior, reliability, or condition data supplied, the 1,540 kg version is the stronger choice on paper because it provides the same 173 hp and 298 Nm while carrying 90 kg less mass.
Buick Reatta generations and version differences
The first and only Buick Reatta generation in the catalogue covers 1988–1991. It is listed as a Cabrio with two versions, both named 3.8 AT. There is therefore no later generation to compare with the earlier car, and the supplied specifications identify no restyling or year-specific mechanical changes.
Because the two entries have identical names, they must be distinguished by weight: 3.8 AT — 1,630 kg and 3.8 AT — 1,540 kg. The supplied dates are also identical for both, so the data does not assign either specification to an individual model year such as 1988, 1989, 1990, or 1991.
Buick Reatta engine options and specs
Both 3.8 AT versions use the same 3,791 cm³ Gasoline engine. It has 6 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, 2 valves per cylinder, no boost, and distributed injection (multi-point). Output is 173 hp (127 kW) at 4,800 rpm, while peak torque is 298 Nm at 3,200 rpm. The compression ratio is 8.5, and the bore and stroke are 96.52 × 86.36 mm.
The engine location is not measured in the supplied data. Engine swaps, engine-bay layout, and alternative factory engines cannot be compared because no such information is provided.
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 AT — 1,630 kg | 173 hp (127 kW) at 4,800 rpm | 298 Nm at 3,200 rpm | 3,791 cm³ | Gasoline, 98 | 6 | V-shaped | No | Automatic, 4 gears | FWD |
| 3.8 AT — 1,540 kg | 173 hp (127 kW) at 4,800 rpm | 298 Nm at 3,200 rpm | 3,791 cm³ | Gasoline, 98 | 6 | V-shaped | No | Automatic, 4 gears | FWD |
Each version produces approximately 45.6 hp per litre and 78.6 Nm per litre. Power per litre does not separate the two choices because their engine specifications are identical.
Buick Reatta performance, acceleration, and fuel economy
Both 3.8 AT versions have a stated 0–100 km/h time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h. The catalogue therefore records no acceleration or maximum-speed advantage for either weight specification.
City fuel consumption is not measured for both versions. Highway fuel consumption is not measured, and combined fuel consumption is not measured. CO₂ emissions and environmental class are also not measured. An mpg figure cannot be calculated without a measured fuel-consumption value.
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption | CO₂ | Environmental class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 AT — 1,630 kg | 10 seconds | 200 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3.8 AT — 1,540 kg | 10 seconds | 200 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
Buick Reatta weight, dimensions, and chassis specs
The heavier 3.8 AT has a kerb weight of 1,630 kg, while the lighter 3.8 AT has a kerb weight of 1,540 kg. The difference is 90 kg. Gross weight is not measured for either version.
The 1,630 kg car carries approximately 9.42 kg for every horsepower. The 1,540 kg car carries approximately 8.90 kg per horsepower, an advantage of about 0.52 kg per horsepower. Measured another way, their power-to-weight figures are approximately 106.1 hp per tonne and 112.3 hp per tonne respectively. These calculations favor the lighter car, although the listed 0–100 km/h result remains the same for both.
Ground clearance is 150 mm and fuel-tank capacity is 71 litres for each 3.8 AT. Wheel sizes are not measured. Overall length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured, so the supplied data cannot support a Buick Reatta dimensions or size comparison.
Both versions use Independent, spring suspension at the front and rear. Braking equipment consists of Ventilated disc brakes at the front and Disc brakes at the rear.
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 AT — 1,630 kg | 1,630 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 71 litres | not measured |
| 3.8 AT — 1,540 kg | 1,540 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 71 litres | not measured |
Which Buick Reatta version should you buy?
Choose the 3.8 AT — 1,540 kg if the decision is based strictly on the supplied specifications. It is 90 kg lighter than the 3.8 AT — 1,630 kg, yet it retains the same 173 hp, 298 Nm, 3,791 cm³ engine, 4-gear Automatic transmission, FWD system, 10-second 0–100 km/h time, 200 km/h top speed, 150 mm clearance, and 71-litre tank. Its lower weight also gives it the better calculated power-to-weight ratio.
The 3.8 AT — 1,630 kg does not gain additional power, torque, speed, clearance, or tank capacity in the supplied figures. It may have differences not represented by this dataset, but equipment, interior, touch-screen features, condition, reliability, problems, and prices are not measured and cannot be used to justify the additional 90 kg.
For a real purchase, first verify which weight specification the individual car matches. After that, the catalogue supports a simple conclusion: the 1,540 kg 3.8 AT offers the same recorded mechanical and performance specifications with less mass, making it the preferable Buick Reatta version on the available numbers.