1988 BMW 535 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 14 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, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 535 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2960 mm |
