1996 BMW M3 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. (200 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1996 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M3 | 88 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3110 mm |
