1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (119 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 140 kg more than 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1989 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2800 mm |
