2006 Audi A3 vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 28 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 30 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
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, 2006 Audi A3, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2006 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2006 Audi A3 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:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Audi | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A3 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3030 mm |
