1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 195 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Nova.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Nova | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3030 mm |
