2003 Honda Element vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2003 Honda Element 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 20 kg more than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Element, 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Honda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Element | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2960 mm |
