1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1998 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1998 Plymouth Neon is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1998 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 504 kg more than 1998 Plymouth Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Plymouth Neon. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1998 Plymouth Neon has manual transmission. 1998 Plymouth Neon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1998 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Plymouth |
| Model | Cutlass | Neon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2650 mm |
