1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 980 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (305 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2480 mm |
