1997 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1954 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Oldsmobile 88 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Oldsmobile 88 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 1954 Oldsmobile 88. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1954 Oldsmobile 88 (407 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1954 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1954 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1954 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | 1954 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A | 88 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3110 mm |
