1984 Ford Fiesta vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1984 Ford Fiesta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (96 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 760 kg more than 1984 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Fiesta. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fiesta | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Fiesta | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2960 mm |
