1998 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 27 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 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (225 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | 1971 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 5900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3230 mm |
