1996 BMW 325 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 BMW 325 is newer by 22 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, 1996 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 225 kg more than 1996 BMW 325.
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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 325. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 325 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1960 mm |
