| Oldsmobile Division
General Motors Corporation Lansing, Michigan |
| Engine |
310-hp, 455
cu. in. V-8 |
| Transmission |
3-speed automatic |
| Steering |
Power-assisted |
| Suspension |
Standard |
| Brakes |
Drum F, Drum R |
Check
list |
| Engine |
| Throttle Response |
Very
Good |
| Noise Insulation |
Excellent |
| Drive
train |
| Shift Linkage |
Very
Good |
| Shift Smoothness |
Very
Good |
| Steering |
| Effort |
Very
Good |
| Response |
Good |
| Handling |
| Predictability |
Very
Good |
| Evasive Maneuverability |
Fair |
| Brakes |
| Directional Stability |
Good |
| Fade Resistance |
Good |
| Interior |
| Ease of Entry/Exit |
Very
Good |
| Driving Position |
Good |
| Front Seating Comfort |
Very
Good |
| Rear Seating Comfort |
Fair |
| General |
| Vision |
Good |
| Heater/ Defroster |
Excellent |
| Weather Sealing |
Excellent |
| Trunk Space |
Good |
|
We were a bit skeptical
that Oldsmobile's economy "Turnpike Cruiser" concept
would be the way to go in a Delta 88. The car is not a featherweight
in the first place, and, with its lower numerical axle ratio
and identical horsepower rating to the '67 model, we had anticipated
that the '68 version would be a stone. But, by redesigning the
camshaft to develop peak torque at lower rpm and increasing
the torque converter ratio, Oldsmobile has been able to produce
a drive train combination which results in a car with almost
identical performance to its predecessor. Acceleration
from a standstill is comparable, and even at normal highway
cruising speeds (when the engine is loafing along at relatively
low rpm) the big 455 cu. in. V-8 has enough guts left for
safe passing. It's not exactly what you would call "instant
response," however, and for someone demanding more than
routine transportation, the Olds Delta 88 won't fill the bill.
Rear leg room is not what you
would expect in a car with the Delta 88's overall dimensions,
and the interior is an uninspired collage of contemporary
styling incorporating the latest from the plastics industry.
The protruding front fenders
with vulnerably-positioned parking lights, out of the driver's
line of vision, can make tight parking situations a shattering
experience. |
