2008 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 2008 BMW 318 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 2008 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 318 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
