What is the oldsmobile version of the Nova?

The Oldsmobile Omega is the badge-engineered counterpart to the Chevrolet Nova, produced by General Motors in the 1970s and early 1980s on the GM X-body compact platform.

In GM’s subcompact lineup, the Nova and Omega shared their basic underpinnings but wore different brands, with the Omega representing Oldsmobile’s take on the Nova’s design, engineering, and market niche during that era.

Origins of the Omega and the GM X-body family

During the 1970s, General Motors built a family of compact cars on the X-body platform to replace earlier subcompacts. The Chevrolet Nova was joined by badge-engineered siblings, including the Oldsmobile Omega, Pontiac Ventura II, and Buick Skyhawk. These cars shared structure and mechanicals while carrying distinct GM badges and styling cues.

Understanding this context helps explain why the question identifies the Oldsmobile version of the Nova: it was the Omega, a practical compact that carried Olds branding while offering similar performance and economy.

Key similarities and differences

Below is a quick look at how the Omega lined up with the Nova in terms of engineering, body, and trim.

• Shared GM X-body platform and mechanicals with the Chevrolet Nova


• Similar body styles, including two-door coupes and four-door sedans


• Distinct Oldsmobile styling cues, interiors, and trim levels


• Engine options typically included inline-sixes and small-block V8s common to GM compact cars of the era


• Produced during the 1970s into the early 1980s as part of GM’s badge-engineering strategy

In summary, the Omega served as Oldsmobile’s take on the Nova, delivering a familiar driving package under the Olds nameplate.

Legacy and collector status

Today, Omega models are relatively rare finds and are sought after by collectors who appreciate GM’s badge-engineering era. Condition, originality, and documentation influence value, with well-preserved examples often drawing more attention at auctions and shows.

Potential buyers should note that parts interchangeability exists with the Nova and other X-body siblings, though trim and branding cues differ across marques.

Summary: The Oldsmobile Omega is the Oldsmobile counterpart to the Chevrolet Nova, sharing the X-body platform and many mechanicals while wearing distinct Oldsmobile styling and branding from the 1970s and early 1980s.

Is an Oldsmobile 350 the same as a Chevy 350?

The Oldsmobile 350 and Chevy 350 are distinct engine families from GM, with differences in their internal design, stroke, bore, and external components like the transmission bolt pattern. The Chevy 350 is a small-block V8 known for its high production and widespread use, while the Olds 350 is also a small-block V8 with a longer stroke and higher nickel-content iron block. Key differences include the Olds having a higher nickel content for strength and its transmission bolt pattern being shared with Buick and Pontiac ("BOP"), whereas the Chevy has a different bolt pattern and its own engine family.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the different types of Chevy 350 engines: 52sPowertrain Products IncYouTube · Jul 10, 2025
Oldsmobile 350

• Design: Part of the "Rocket" V8 family, the Olds 350 is a different engine architecture from the Chevy 350. 
• Construction: Features an iron block with a higher nickel content for greater strength. 
• Stroke and Bore: Has a smaller stroke (3.385 in3.385 in3.385 in) and a larger bore (4.057 in4.057 in4.057 in) than the Chevy, making it "over-square". 
• Transmission: Uses the BOP (Buick-Olds-Pontiac) transmission bolt pattern, which is different from the Chevy's. 
• Diesel Variant: Was converted into a diesel engine, which some consider a strong foundation for building a racing engine. 

Chevrolet 350

• Design: Belongs to the first-generation Chevy small-block V8 family, which debuted in 1955 and was in production for many years. 
• Construction: Uses an iron block with a lower nickel content compared to the Olds 350 block. 
• Stroke and Bore: Has a stroke of 3.48 in3.48 in3.48 in and a bore of 4.0 in4.0 in4.0 in. 
• Transmission: Has its own unique transmission bolt pattern, different from the BOP pattern. 
• Production: Is one of the most produced engines ever, leading to an abundance of parts and aftermarket support. 

What was Oldsmobiles version of the Nova?

The Oldsmobile version of the Nova was the Oldsmobile Omega, a compact car manufactured from 1973 to 1984. The Omega was a badge-engineered version of the Chevrolet Nova and shared its body and many mechanical components, though it featured Oldsmobile's unique front and rear styling and more upscale trim.
 
This video is a promotional film for the Oldsmobile Omega: 48sThe Emulsion AlchemistYouTube · Mar 16, 2022

• Platform and timing: The first generation of the Omega (1973–1979) was based on the rear-wheel-drive GM X-body platform, just like the Nova. For the 1980 model year, it moved to the front-wheel-drive X-body platform, which was related to the Chevrolet Citation. 
• Styling and features: While the body was similar to the Nova, the Omega had its own split grille, and its dashboard featured woodgrain trim for a more luxurious feel compared to the Nova. 
• Positioning: Oldsmobile marketed the Omega as its entry-level, affordable compact car. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the 1977 Oldsmobile Omega SX: 58sNobody's ShowYouTube · Oct 24, 2024

What is the Buick equivalent to the Chevy Nova?

The Buick versions of the Chevrolet Nova were the Buick Apollo (1973–1975) and the Buick Skylark (1976–1979). Both were built on the same platform as the Nova but had distinct styling, trim, and engine options.
 
You can watch this video to see a commercial for the 1974 Buick Apollo: 29sOsbornTramainYouTube · Mar 17, 2025
Buick Apollo (1973–1975) 

• This was the first Buick model to be based on the Nova platform. 
• It was a mild redesign of the Nova, featuring upgraded interiors, Buick-specific front-end styling, and a more upscale feel. 
• Engine options included the standard Chevy 250 cu in inline-six or an optional Buick 350 cu in V8. 

Buick Skylark (1976–1979) 

• The Skylark replaced the Apollo as Buick's compact offering starting with the 1976 model year. 
• It continued to be built on the same platform as the Nova and its siblings but with Buick's own branding and styling. 
• For the 1978 model year, the front end of the US Buick Skylark was used on the Chevy Nova Concours in Mexico. 

What was Pontiac's version of the Nova?

Ventura
Its name was derived from Ventura, California, joining other similarly derived contemporary models such as the fellow Pontiac Catalina, the Chevrolet Malibu, and the rival Mercury Monterey. The Ventura nameplate was also used on Pontiac's version of the Chevrolet Nova from 1971 to 1977.