2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 320 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (180 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Exige | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
