USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1968
| 442 W-30 | Delta 88 Royale Convertible | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 370 hp | 365 hp |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 sec | 7.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 123 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.7 sec | 15.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 4,200 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 3,099 mm |
| Length | 5,207 mm | 5,588 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,915 | 13,600 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,708 |
| Value (Excellent) | $180,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 brings quicker acceleration, greater rarity to the table, and the 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible answers with higher top speed, stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Oldsmobile has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 with the 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 producing 370 hp and the 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible delivering 365 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Oldsmobile 442 uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 7,456 cc, while the Oldsmobile Delta 88 relies on a V8 OHV (Rocket) with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 edges ahead at 5.7 seconds versus 7.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,915 units built, the 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 is considerably scarcer than the Oldsmobile Delta 88's 13,600 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 commands a significant premium over the 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.