1997 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 850 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3080 mm |
