1971 Oldsmobile 442 vs. 1958 Subaru 360
To start off, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Subaru 360 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1958 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 1958 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 1181 kg more than 1958 Subaru 360. 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 472 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Subaru 360. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 has automatic transmission and 1958 Subaru 360 has manual transmission. 1958 Subaru 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | 1958 Subaru 360 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Subaru |
| Model | 442 | 360 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7467 cc | 354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 1780 mm |
