2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 37 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 11 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 375 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda 3, 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 3 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2960 mm |
