1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. Both 1974 Chevrolet Nova and 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight are equipped with a 5,736 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 240 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Nova | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3030 mm |
