Oldsmobile's Delta 88 was redesigned for 1971 and according to Car and Track host Bud Lindemann, it was the best one yet, for many reasons. Equipped with a 455 cubic inch V8 for go-power, this redesigned Oldsmobile held its own flying around the Car and Track test course in this vintage road test.
The big cars from GM were redesigned for 1971, and from the looks of this road test Bud Lindemann thought they got it right with this Delta 88. Even though they didn't expect much excitement in the acceleration runs, "with the tires hot and all the parts really working" the big Oldsmobile managed a 8.8 second 0-60 time.
Lindemann seemed to be pleased with the car's handling on the track and through the pylon course. Watching the massive 4300 pound car fly through the pylon course in slow motion is a quick reminder how much cars have improved in the past 40 years.
Even though the 88 played second fiddle to the more expensive and fancier 98 model when it came to full sized Oldsmobiles that year, Bud Lindemann wasn't convinced it was better than the 88. After explaining how many people mistook the 88 for the more expensive model, Lindemann gave his final verdict on the less expensive Oldsmobile:
"it's almost as plush and for my money, a better buy."