1955 Oldsmobile 98 vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 should accelerate faster than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 98 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 98 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5320 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1728 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2960 mm |
