2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 33 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 1140 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 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:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 7 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2960 mm |
