1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 32 kg more than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
