1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 425 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 468 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eighty-Eight | W12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2550 mm |
