1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 24 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 159 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (89 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 570 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (502 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (177 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volvo |
| Model | Cutlass | S40 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2560 mm |
