1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (159 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 225 kg more than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Caprice | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2740 mm |
