1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 225 kg more than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Buick |
| Model | Cutlass | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2837 mm |
