2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 930 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Panda | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1249 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3030 mm |
