1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (248 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 65 kg more than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (502 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. (313 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Plymouth |
| Model | Cutlass | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2700 mm |
