1998 BMW 317 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 255 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 317 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2960 mm |
