Oldsmobile Series 98 Tenth Generation 1977–1984
| Tenth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1977–1984 |
| Assembly | Lansing, Michigan, U.S. Linden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Designer | Bill Mitchell |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Related | Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Cadillac De Ville Buick Electra |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 252 in³ (4.1 L) Buick V6 307 in³ (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 in³ (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 in³ (5.7 L) Oldsmobile diesel V8 403 in³ (6.6 L) Oldsmobile V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH350 automatic 3-speed TH400 automatic 4-speed THM 200-4R automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 119.0 in (3,023 mm) |
| Length | 221.4 in (5,624 mm) |
| Width | 76.3 in (1,938 mm) |
| Height | 55.3 in (1,405 mm) |
The 1977 model was extensively redone and downsized, like the Delta 88.
The new models, at around 4000 pounds curb weight, were over 800 pounds lighter, but headroom and rear seat legroom were increased compared to equivalent 1976 models. The 455 CID engine was replaced by the smaller 403 CID V8. The Oldsmobile 350 V8 was now the standard engine. The Ninety-Eight set a new sales record of 139,423. A four-door sedan and a two-door hardtop coupe were available.
Size comparison between 1974 and 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
| 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight sedan | 1977 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 127.0 in (3,226 mm) | 119.0 in (3,023 mm) |
| Overall length | 232.4 in (5,903 mm) | 220.4 in (5,598 mm) |
| Width | 79.8 in (2,027 mm) | 76.8 in (1,951 mm) |
| Height | 54.2 in (1,377 mm) | 56.6 in (1,438 mm) |
| Front headroom | 39.3 in (998 mm) | 39.3 in (998 mm) |
| Front legroom | 42.2 in (1,072 mm) | 42.2 in (1,072 mm) |
| Front hip room | 62.3 in (1,582 mm) | 55.0 in (1,397 mm) |
| Front shoulder room | 64.3 in (1,633 mm) | 60.6 in (1,539 mm) |
| Rear headroom | 38.2 in (970 mm) | 38.0 in (965 mm) |
| Rear legroom–ins. | 40.8 in (1,036 mm) | 40.9 in (1,039 mm) |
| Rear hip room | 62.8 in (1,595 mm) | 55.7 in (1,415 mm) |
| Rear shoulder room | 63.4 in (1,610 mm) | 60.6 in (1,539 mm) |
| Luggage capacity | 22.3 cu ft (631 L) | 20.3 cu ft (575 L) |
A diesel version of the 350 was added in 1978. Beginning in 1979, production of the Ninety-Eight was exclusive to Lansing as Linden Assembly was retooled to build the E-body cars. Base LS models were available as sedans only, and the premium Regency model came as either a coupe or a sedan. A limited production top level Regency LX sedan was also offered for 1979.
The Ninety-Eight was restyled for 1980, along with the Delta 88. That year, it gained a new 307 cid (5.0 L) V8 as an option. The 403 was dropped completely. The 1980 models received new exterior sheet metal, without drastically changing the look of the car. To improve aerodynamics and fuel economy the hood was sloped downward, while the trunk area was higher. This also gave all models a heavier, more substantial appearance, while even slightly increasing interior and trunk space. 1981 saw the introduction of Buick's 252 in³ V6 as standard, as well as a new 4-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission. The gas 350 engine was dropped that same year, completely replaced by the smaller 307. The new Regency Brougham model was introduced for 1982. This car featured plush "Prima" velour seats with embroidered emblems, cut pile carpeting, and electroluminescent opera lamps on the B-pillars. Regency became the new 'base' model as the LS was discontinued. A redesigned steering wheel and slightly revised instrument panel were also new that year. The 1983 models received a new grille, but were otherwise unchanged. The federal 5 mph (8.0 km/h) impact standard was rolled back for 1984, prompting GM to make major changes to the bumpers to save weight; predictably, this drastically reduced their effectiveness. An optional 8-track tape player and the 4.1 L V6 were no longer available, though the CB radio was still optional.
Production ended in March 1984. These cars were actually sold concurrently with the new front-wheel drive 1985 model. The body style reference in GM Manufacturing became "D" for the carryover RWD models, and the new FWD cars became C-bodies (which had been the designation used hitherto for the RWD cars).