1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 266 kg more than 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | BMW |
| Model | Cutlass | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
