1990 BMW 316 vs. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass

To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 530 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1990 BMW 316 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Make BMW Oldsmobile
Model 316 Cutlass
Year Released 1990 1970
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1596 cc 5735 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 100 HP 160 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 141 Nm 380 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 2400 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1080 kg 1610 kg
Vehicle Length 4330 mm 5280 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1960 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2960 mm