1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 23 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 115 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Oldsmobile 88 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 1955 Oldsmobile 88. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Alfasud | 88 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3110 mm |
