1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 310 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1981 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 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 2003 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
Model | Ninety-Eight | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1967 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1445 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2590 mm |