1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2003 Volvo V50 is newer by 30 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 215 kg more than 2003 Volvo V50.
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, 2003 Volvo V50, 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo V50. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volvo |
| Model | Cutlass | V50 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2630 mm |
