1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 40 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, 2012 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (248 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW X3. (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | BMW |
| Model | Cutlass | X3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2810 mm |
