1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (248 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 352 kg more than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (502 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Thunderbird | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2850 mm |
