1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,859 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 313 kg more than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (180 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Bel Air | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2640 mm |
