1997 BMW 850 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 42 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. (200 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. (450 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 850 | 88 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3110 mm |
