Oldsmobile Series 98 Second Generation 1985–1990
| Eleventh generation | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Overview | |
| Model years | 1985–1990 |
| Assembly | Lake Orion, Michigan, U.S. Wentzville, Missouri, U.S. |
| Designer | Irv Rybicki |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Related | Buick Electra Cadillac De Ville Cadillac Fleetwood Cadillac Sixty Special |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0 L Buick V6 3.8 L Buick V6 4.3 L Oldsmobile Diesel V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in (2,814 mm) |
| Length | 1985–86: 196.1 in (4,981 mm) 1987–88: 196.4 in (4,989 mm) 1989–1990: 196.3 in (4,986 mm) |
| Width | 1985–86: 72.1 in (1,831 mm) 1987–88: 72.4 in (1,839 mm) 1989–1990: 72.6 in (1,844 mm) |
| Height | 1985–86: 55.0 in (1,397 mm) 1987–88: 55.1 in (1,400 mm) 1989–1990: 54.8 in (1,392 mm) |
1985 saw the Ninety-Eight downsized for a second time, this time switching from rear-wheel drive to a new front-wheel drive platform, with sales beginning in April 1984.
Although this Ninety-Eight was nearly 25.0 in (635 mm) shorter in length and weighed over 700 lb (318 kg) less than its predecessor, passenger space was nearly equal to 1984 models. Buyers seemed to prefer this new, more manageable Ninety-Eight, as 1985 model year sales, at 169,432 units, were more than double 1984's 76,833 units, an all-time sales record.
Size comparison between 1984 and 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
| 1984 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency sedan | 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 119.0 in (3,023 mm) | 110.8 in (2,814 mm) |
| Overall length | 221.1 in (5,616 mm) | 196.1 in (4,981 mm) |
| Width | 76.3 in (1,938 mm) | 72.1 in (1,831 mm) |
| Height | 58.0 in (1,473 mm) | 55.0 in (1,397 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,024 lb (1,825 kg) | 3,292 lb (1,493 kg) |
| Front headroom | 39.5 in (1,003 mm) | 39.3 in (998 mm) |
| Front legroom | 42.2 in (1,072 mm) | 42.4 in (1,077 mm) |
| Front shoulder room | 59.6 in (1,514 mm) | 58.9 in (1,496 mm) |
| Rear headroom | 38.1 in (968 mm) | 38.1 in (968 mm) |
| Rear legroom | 41.7 in (1,059 mm) | 40.8 in (1,036 mm) |
| Rear shoulder room | 59.8 in (1,519 mm) | 58.8 in (1,494 mm) |
| Luggage capacity | 20.5 cu ft (580 L) | 16.2 cu ft (459 L) |
As in previous years, the 1985 Ninety-Eight was available as a 4-door sedan and a 2-door coupe, in either Regency or Regency Brougham trim. Both models came with standard velour seating, with Sierra grain leather optional on both. For the first year, the Buick 181 in³ V6 was the standard powerplant. V8 engines were gone for good, never to return to the Ninety-Eight. Optional engines were Buick's 231 and Oldsmobile's 263 in³ Diesel V6. The 3.0 gas V6 and 4.3 Diesel V6 were dropped for 1986.
Oldsmobile consistently improved this generation Ninety-Eight over its six-year run, treating it to yearly updates. Anti-lock brakes were a new option for 1986 and a special "Grande" package was offered in 1986 and 1987 featuring composite headlights and specific front end panel (1986 only), and 45/45 leather seats with pigskin inserts and console with combination lock. For 1987, all Ninety-Eights received a new grille with flush composite headlamps. It would also be the last year for the slow-selling 2-door coupe body style.
In 1988, a power pull-down trunklid and an on-board computer with oil life monitor (known as the "Driver Information System") were added to the options list. For the 1989 model year, the Ninety-Eight saw another grille change and the addition of Twilight Sentinel headlights, optional remote keyless entry, an automatic dimming rearview mirror which could be turned on and off, and an optional (but rarely ordered) driver's-side airbag.
By 1990, the eleventh-generation Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was peaking in terms of mechanic perfection. It had a new harmonic balancer and increased horsepower from the somewhat sluggish 1985 models. Also in 1990, a PGA edition package was offered on the Regency Brougham which included gold PGA emblems, gold nameplate badging, gold striping, and wire wheels with gold Oldsmobile rocket emblems.
Engines:
| Year | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 3.0 L Buick V6 | 110 hp (82 kW) at 4800 rpm | 145 lb·ft (197 N·m) at 2600 rpm |
| 1985 | 3.8 L Buick MPFI V6 | 125 hp (93 kW) at 4400 rpm | 195 lb·ft (264 N·m) at 2000 rpm |
| 1985 | 4.3 L Oldsmobile Diesel V6 | 85 hp (63 kW) | 165 lb·ft (224 N·m) |
| 1986 | 3.8 L Buick SFI V6 | 140 hp (104 kW) at 4400 rpm | 200 lb·ft (270 N·m) at 2000 rpm |
| 1987 | 150 hp (112 kW) at 4400 rpm | 200 lb·ft (270 N·m) at 2000 rpm | |
| 1988 | 160 hp (119 kW) at 5200 rpm | ||
| 1990 | 3.8 L Buick LN3 V6 | 165 hp (123 kW) at 5200 rpm | 210 lb·ft (285 N·m) at 2000 rpm |
Touring Sedan
A new performance-oriented Touring Sedan model was introduced in 1987. The Touring Sedan was based on the Ninety-Eight Regency and featured a long list of standard equipment including leather seats designed by Lear Siegler, anti-lock brakes, an on-board computer (1988–1990), FE3 sport suspension, self-closing trunk (1988–1990), burl walnut interior, console shifter, 15-inch (1987 only) or 16-inch (1988–1990) alloy wheels, and more.