1974 Honda Life vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (133 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 1235 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-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 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Life, 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 1974 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1974 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Honda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Life | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2960 mm |
