1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-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 Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (183 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 820 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-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 Ninety-Eight (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2560 mm |
