1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 42 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 20 kg more than 1971 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | BMW |
| Model | Cutlass | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2810 mm |
