1985 Ford Escort vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 98
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 30 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 68 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 weights approximately 648 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Oldsmobile 98 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 1955 Oldsmobile 98. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Escort | 98 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1728 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3210 mm |
