USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1979
| Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 | Hurst/Olds | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 365 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 5,735 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 110 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.6 sec | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | 4,101 lbs | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,099 mm | 2,794 mm |
| Length | 5,588 mm | 5,232 mm |
| Units Produced | 105,237 | 2,499 |
| Original MSRP | $3,253 | $10,295 |
| Value (Excellent) | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 excels in more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed, while the 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds stands out for lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 and 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds share a manufacturer in Oldsmobile, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Oldsmobile brand. The 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 365 hp compared to 170 hp, a 195-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 7,456 cc, while the Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds relies on a V8 OHV with 5,735 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 9.8 seconds. The Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 501 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2,499 units built, the 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds is considerably scarcer than the Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale's 105,237 examples.