1985 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort.
Because 1971 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 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Escort | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2960 mm |
