1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 409 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1980 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 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2578 mm |
