1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (130 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 212 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Because 1981 Ferrari 308 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 1981 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1981 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ferrari | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 308 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 61 L |
