1954 Bristol 405 vs. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Bristol 405 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Bristol 405 should accelerate faster than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Bristol 405 weights approximately 70 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 1954 Bristol 405 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 1954 Bristol 405. 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, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass (180 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 405. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1954 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1954 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 405 | 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Bristol | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 405 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2640 mm |
