2003 BMW 530 vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 530 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2960 mm |
