USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1970
| Delta 88 Royale Convertible | Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 365 hp | 365 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | 14.6 sec |
| Weight | 4,200 lbs | 4,101 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,099 mm | 3,099 mm |
| Length | 5,588 mm | 5,588 mm |
| Units Produced | 13,600 | 105,237 |
| Original MSRP | $3,708 | $3,253 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $42,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 4/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible offers greater rarity, stronger collectibility, while the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 counters with quicker acceleration. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
The Oldsmobile Delta 88 lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible with the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 reveals how Oldsmobile refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible producing 365 hp and the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 delivering 365 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Oldsmobile Delta 88 uses a V8 OHV (Rocket) displacing 7,456 cc, while the Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 7.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 13,600 units built, the 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible is considerably scarcer than the Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale's 105,237 examples.