Oldsfanatic

I have a 1985 Ninety Eight FWD Coupe, which is more rare, or a 1985 Delta 88 coupe RWD, more popular? Please look at the pics and tell me what you think?

joe_padavano

Neither of these cars is particularly popular or valuable, nor likely to become so. Given that the D88 is the last of the RWD D88s, that would be my preference. Your call as to what you want to do.

anthonyP

I would go with the '85 Eighty-Eight, rear wheel drive and a V-8 to boot.

oldcutlass

I'd do the 88 rwd also.

Olds64

x4

Like they said in Mad Max Fury Road:

"By my deeds I honor him, V8."

tru-blue 442

+5 88 coupe.

rustyroger

I have no complaints at all about my '87 Olds 88, and my '89 Buick LeSabre, but I have to agree the rwd car has more of a "Classic" look. I'm assuming it has a V8 under the hood, the standard engine was the Buick V6, gas and diesel V8's were options for the '85 model year.
The fuel injected V6 in the fwd car was a big improvement over the carb versions in earlier cars, giving it at once decent performance and fuel economy.

Both cars are over 30 years old, so each should be taken on its own merits and your preferences.

Roger.

CRUZN 66

Well, I guess I will be the odd man out and say KEEP them both... It really will depend what your transportation needs are... The FWD is most likely more economical to drive while the RWD is the last of a dieing breed... Just because the RWD is a V8 doesn't mean it will perform better mechanically then the FWD... Bottom line it's what ever you will be happy with...

btw

They are Oldsmobiles. Keep them both and buy a 3rd.

Kennybill

Another one for the RWD.

Certified Idiot

+1

Allan R

My thoughts too.

HOWEVER, having driven both of these models I have to say that the 85 is too tired and underpowered to be anything more than a wallowing whale on a highway. By contrast the 86 Ninety Eight has a better power/weight ratio and goes like a scared bunny when needed. It's also a comfortable riding car with slightly better technology.

Consider also availability of parts in your decision. Not much for the 85 and <, but more for the 86 and >.

Too bad the styling for those models and power teams weren't better.

anthonyP

In my opinion, keep the '85. No comparison in styling, the '86 is just way out of proportion from any angle. Plus the '85 is RWD and the last with an Olds influence.

vistacruiser1971

I like the comment from btw, you can't have too many Oldsmobiles!! The 98 gets better MPG while the RWD 88 is more traditional Olds and might have a better ride. If you are looking for a collectable fun weekend car, the 88 is a good pick. FWD 3800's were produced in a lot of models. However, if you are looking for a driver with better MPG the newer 98 is a better choice. For me, I would pick the 88 for either case. I bought a 1984 98 4 door with the last 307 V8 as a driver and really enjoyed that car. It was way comfortable and got 20 MPG on the highway with HEI and overdrive, and I miss it. I think your 85 88 should have an overdrive trans as well. The 86 98 has added fuel injection which improves efficiency a little more. Good luck with making a choice. Trent in Los Angeles

supmarjo

'85 88, rear wheel drive and a V-8...

Allan R

Umm, Nope. Not even on the collector radar map. B Bodies are not highly sought after as A or G body, nor are there aftermarket parts made for them.

Grossly underpowered one at that. The 98 will blow it's doors off.

Oldsfanatic

What about front wheel drives (transverse engine) in general compared with rear wheel drive V8s in general? What type of obstacle does front wheel drive present to its future as a classic?

joe_padavano

Hasn't been a problem for these:



While I personally don't like wrong wheel drive cars, the reality is that the location of the drive wheels is a secondary consideration as far as collectibility or value is concerned. Styling, performance, and overall driving fun are the key factors. Frankly, neither the 1985 D88 nor the 1985 Ninety Eight will become collectible or valuable.

droptopron

Assuming you just want a car to drive, I'd go 1985 Ninety Eight FWD Coupe. I had an '89 LeSabre T-Type coupe in my youth. I loved that car.

Human

I'll be the contrarian and vote for the Regency. While not necessarily a collectible (The one somewhat collectible Regency from that era would be the Touring Sedan), it's a unique car since they made very few of them and you'll have a much easier time finding parts for it. There's just tons of full size FWD GM cars from that era on the salvage yards these days. Also, that 3800 powertrain is ridiculously reliable. My best friend's dad bought a '90 regency brand new and drove the thing almost 400,000 miles! He only stopped driving it because the body had rusted out and was unsafe.

Oldsfanatic

The FWD Ninety Eight I have is a 2 door. In 1985 they made 14000 coupes out of 168000 total Ninety Eights. How would you compare that with the Touring Sedan? I know the Touring Sedan would still be more desirable though.