1974 BMW 2.8 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1974 BMW 2.8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 2.8 (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 2.8 should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 70 kg more than 1974 BMW 2.8.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 2.8. (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 2.8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 2.8 | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 2.8 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3293 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2960 mm |
