1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1981 Ford Fairlane is newer by 10 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Fairlane | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2960 mm |
