1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3.
Because 1998 BMW Z3 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 1998 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Z3 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
