1971 Oldsmobile 442 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1988 Saab 9000. (175 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 1988 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 397 kg more than 1988 Saab 9000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile 442 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 1971 Oldsmobile 442. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 9000. (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 9000. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 has automatic transmission and 1988 Saab 9000 has manual transmission. 1988 Saab 9000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Saab |
| Model | 442 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7467 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2670 mm |
