2008 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight

To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 30 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 28 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 610 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. 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, 2008 Honda Civic, 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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic 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:

2008 Honda Civic 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
Make Honda Oldsmobile
Model Civic Ninety-Eight
Year Released 2008 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1799 cc 5736 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 140 HP 168 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 3800 RPM
Torque 174 Nm 373 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 2000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1180 kg 1790 kg
Vehicle Length 4450 mm 5610 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1960 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2660 mm 3030 mm