1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 625 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1976 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 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (279 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eighty-Eight | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2560 mm |
