1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 615 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 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1935 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2630 mm |
