2009 BMW M5 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2009 BMW M5 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (248 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M5 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 BMW M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (502 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M5 | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M5 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2850 mm |
