1981 BMW 745 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1981 BMW 745 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. (200 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1981 BMW 745.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 745. (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 745.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 745 | 88 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3110 mm |
