1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 3,331 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 389 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 Lotus Elise 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (252 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Lotus |
| Model | Cutlass | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 44 L |
