1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1988 Volkswagen Polo

To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1979 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 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 1988 Volkswagen Polo
Make Oldsmobile Volkswagen
Model Ninety-Eight Polo
Year Released 1979 1988
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5032 cc 1043 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 148 HP 44 HP
Engine RPM 3600 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 326 Nm 95 Nm
Torque RPM 1600 RPM 3600 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Vehicle Weight 1795 kg 770 kg
Vehicle Length 5610 mm 3660 mm
Vehicle Width 1960 mm 1590 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1360 mm
Wheelbase Size 3030 mm 2340 mm