1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1980 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 755 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (92 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1980 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1980 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Vauxhall |
| Model | Cutlass | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2400 mm |
