1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 515 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 2009 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1795 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2720 mm |
