1949 Mercury Roadster vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercury Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercury Roadster would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1949 Mercury Roadster. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercury Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 60 kg more than 1949 Mercury Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Mercury Roadster | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Roadster | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 5280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2960 mm |
