1955 Oldsmobile 88 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 57 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 86 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 375 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Oldsmobile 88 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 1955 Oldsmobile 88. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 88 | A |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5318 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2570 mm |
