1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 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 70 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 665 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 100 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2960 mm |
