1955 Oldsmobile 88 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | 88 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5318 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2630 mm |
