1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 1979 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1195 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 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 Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 1979 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5734 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2410 mm |
