1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 210 kg more than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Caprice | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |
