1988 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 16 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 27 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 600 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M3 | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
Model | M3 | Cutlass |
Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2303 cc | 7462 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 221 HP | 248 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 502 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1960 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2850 mm |