1997 Oldsmobile Aurora vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora (251 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora weights approximately 410 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 1972 Plymouth Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Plymouth |
| Model | Aurora | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3995 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
