1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass (158 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 310 kg more than 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1981 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 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass has manual transmission. 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2740 mm |
