1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 98
To start off, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 27 kg more than 1955 Oldsmobile 98.
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 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 98 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | 98 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1728 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3210 mm |
