1980 Lotus Eclat vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1980 Lotus Eclat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (248 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 696 kg more than 1980 Lotus Eclat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (502 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Eclat. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Eclat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Eclat | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Eclat | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2850 mm |
