2005 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (138 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 386 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-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 Eighty-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2034 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2960 mm |
