2001 BMW 320 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile 442
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 74 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 320 | 442 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2850 mm |
