1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1989 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 18 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 12 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Bonneville. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 110 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Bonneville. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Bonneville. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1989 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Cutlass | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2820 mm |
