1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 1015 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1935 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2480 mm |
