1978 Buick Estate vs. 1996 Oldsmobile SS
To start off, 1996 Oldsmobile SS is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile SS (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile SS should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile SS, 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 Buick Estate (381 Nm) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Oldsmobile SS. (380 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Oldsmobile SS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 1996 Oldsmobile SS | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Estate | SS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2820 mm |
