1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 13 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 670 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1935 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2520 mm |
