1988 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 735 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M3 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3230 mm |
