2009 Honda Civic vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass

To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 38 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 20 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 149 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic 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:

2009 Honda Civic 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Make Honda Oldsmobile
Model Civic Cutlass
Year Released 2009 1971
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1799 cc 5736 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 140 HP 160 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 174 Nm 381 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 2400 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1461 kg 1610 kg
Vehicle Length 4510 mm 5280 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1960 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2960 mm