2008 Dodge Ram vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 2008 Dodge Ram is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Ram (346 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Ram weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Ram, 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, 2008 Dodge Ram (509 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Ram has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Ram will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Ram | 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Dodge | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ram | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 346 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 509 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3580 mm | 2960 mm |
