1981 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,835 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (124 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 510 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Honda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Accord | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2740 mm |
