1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2004 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (373 Nm) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
