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Buick Reatta Convertible 3.8 i V6 (173 Hp)
Overall Rating
Buick Reatta:
The Buick Reatta is a low-volume transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive, two-door, two-seater grand tourer manufactured and marketed by Buick as a coupe and convertible — both featuring a 3. 8 liter V6 engine and shortened version of the GM E platform, shared with the seventh generation Buick Riviera.
As Buick's first two-seater and its first convertible since the 1985 Riviera, the Reatta was manufactured in a highly specialized assembly program at the Reatta Craft Center in Lansing, Michigan—achieving production of over 21,000 units in four years....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Convertible Overview:
Buick Reatta (Convertible). With 298 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1630 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1990 Buick Reatta Convertible predates modern Euro NCAP testing standards. Safety features are limited to basic seatbelts and ABS, lacking airbags or advanced driver-assistance systems common in contemporary vehicles.
3.8 i V6 (173 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.8L V6 (L27) provides adequate power for comfortable cruising, delivering smooth acceleration suitable for a luxury convertible, though it's not designed for sporty driving.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is modest by modern standards, with urban consumption at 17 l/100 km, reflecting the engine's era and the vehicle's weight. Highway cruising offers more reasonable figures.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unique and distinctive styling
- • Comfortable and smooth ride quality
- • Proven reliable 3.8L V6 engine (L27)
- • Exclusive two-seater convertible experience
- • Digital instrumentation and advanced features for its time
Cons:
- • Performance is adequate but not sporty
- • Poor fuel economy compared to modern vehicles
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space
- • Parts availability can be challenging for some unique components
- • Dated safety features by contemporary standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe: 1988 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Buick |
| Model: | Reatta |
| Generation: | Convertible |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 i V6 (173 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 173 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 45.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 298 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L27 More details about the engine L27 |
| Engine displacement: | 3791 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.52 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.36 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.4 kg/Hp, 106.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 182.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1630 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 300 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 71 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4640 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1855 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1310 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2500 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1530 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1530 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Your first impression of the Buick Reatta in one word? Go!