1996 BMW 523 vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 8 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 523 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 1996 BMW 523. 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 523 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2640 mm |
