1955 Oldsmobile 98 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 weights approximately 328 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Oldsmobile 98 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 98. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | 98 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5320 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1728 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2651 mm |
