1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Vega | 88 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 3110 mm |
