2003 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 168 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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 Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
Model | M3 | Cutlass |
Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2993 cc | 5736 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 300 Nm | 381 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 103.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 85.9 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1960 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2960 mm |