1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 10 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 420 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2960 mm |
