1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 470 kg more than 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (203 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Cutlass | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3030 mm |
