1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 31 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 354 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | GTI |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2578 mm |
