2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (177 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 155 kg more than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Cadillac CTS 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 2003 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (217 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Cadillac | Oldsmobile |
| Model | CTS | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2740 mm |
