Oldsmobile Cutlass: Which Version to Buy and Why
The right Oldsmobile Cutlass depends on whether the priority is performance, economy, transmission choice, or a later front-wheel-drive layout. Across its 6 generations, the catalogue covers Coupe, Cabrio, and Sedan bodies produced from 1961 to 1999.
The right Oldsmobile Cutlass depends on whether the priority is performance, economy, transmission choice, or a later front-wheel-drive layout. Across its 6 generations, the catalogue covers Coupe, Cabrio, and Sedan bodies produced from 1961 to 1999. The most compelling performance choice in the measured data is the third-generation 7.5 AT with 380 hp, 670 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 7 seconds, and a top speed of 185 km/h. For measured fuel economy, the fifth-generation 5.7 AT Diesel leads with 8.7 l/100 km combined. Buyers wanting the newest configuration get the sixth-generation 3.1 AT: a 155 hp Gasoline Sedan with a 4-speed Automatic gearbox and FWD.
Oldsmobile Cutlass generations compared
1 generation, 1961–1963: This generation is listed as a Coupe with 0 documented modifications. Engine, transmission, performance, economy, weight, clearance, tank, and wheel-size figures are therefore not measured. It remains part of the Cutlass chronology, but the supplied specifications cannot support a version-level buying comparison.
2 generation, 1964–1967: The second generation is listed as a Cabrio with 0 documented modifications. Its engine options and numerical specifications are not measured, so it cannot be ranked against the documented later versions.
3 generation, 1968–1972: This Cabrio generation has 9 versions and provides the broadest documented performance range. The engines run from 4094 to 7460 cc, while output ranges from 157 to 390 hp. Every listed version is RWD, uses a front, longitudinal engine, and has no boost. Manual and Automatic gearboxes are both represented. The 7.5 AT with 380 hp is the only version here with measured acceleration and top speed: 0–100 km/h takes 7 seconds and maximum speed is 185 km/h.
4 generation, 1973–1977: This generation is listed as a Coupe with 0 documented modifications. Its engine, performance, consumption, and weight data are not measured, preventing a numerical comparison with the adjacent generations.
5 generation, 1978–1988: This Sedan generation contains 18 versions, of which 12 are detailed in the supplied data. The documented selection includes Gasoline and Diesel engines, 3-speed and 5-speed Manual gearboxes, and 3-speed Automatic gearboxes. All shown versions are RWD with front, longitudinal engines and no boost. Outputs range from 106 to 157 hp, while measured combined consumption ranges from 8.7 to 12.4 l/100 km.
6 generation, 1997–1999: The final listed Sedan generation has a single 3.1 AT version. Compared with the fifth-generation layout, it changes to a front, transverse engine, Distributed injection (multi-point), a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, and FWD. Its output is 155 hp and 251 Nm, but acceleration, maximum speed, and fuel consumption are not measured.
Oldsmobile Cutlass engine options and specs
Repeated version names below are distinguished by output and torque because they represent different specifications in the data.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 generation — 3.1 AT | 155 hp | 251 Nm | 3136 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 5 generation — 3.8 MT, 112 hp | 112 hp | 258 Nm | 3791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5 generation — 3.8 AT, 112 hp | 112 hp | 258 Nm | 3791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation — 4.3 AT, 106 hp and 264 Nm | 106 hp | 264 Nm | 4269 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation — 5.0 AT | 157 hp | 325 Nm | 5001 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation — 5.7 AT | 106 hp | 271 Nm | 5737 cc | Diesel | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation — 3.8 MT, 106 hp | 106 hp | 251 Nm | 3791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5 generation — 3.8 AT, 106 hp | 106 hp | 251 Nm | 3791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation — 3.8 MT, 117 hp | 117 hp | 258 Nm | 3791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5 generation — 3.8 AT, 117 hp | 117 hp | 258 Nm | 3791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation — 4.3 MT, 106 hp | 106 hp | 278 Nm | 4269 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5 generation — 4.3 AT, 106 hp and 278 Nm | 106 hp | 278 Nm | 4269 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation — 4.3 MT, 112 hp | 112 hp | 278 Nm | 4269 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation — 4.1 MT | 157 hp | 325 Nm | 4094 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation — 5.7 MT, 253 hp | 253 hp | 481 Nm | 5737 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation — 5.7 AT, 253 hp | 253 hp | 481 Nm | 5737 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation — 5.7 AT, 314 hp | 314 hp | 529 Nm | 5737 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation — 5.7 MT, 314 hp | 314 hp | 529 Nm | 5737 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation — 7.5 AT, 380 hp | 380 hp | 670 Nm | 7456 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation — 6.6 AT | 304 hp | 576 Nm | 6551 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation — 5.7 AT, 325 hp | 325 hp | 488 Nm | 5728 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation — 7.5 AT, 390 hp | 390 hp | not measured | 7460 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
Power per litre highlights different strengths. The sixth-generation 3.1 AT produces approximately 49.4 hp per litre, compared with 31.4 hp per litre for the fifth-generation 5.0 AT. In the third generation, the 5.7 AT with 325 hp reaches approximately 56.7 hp per litre, slightly ahead of the 5.7 AT and 5.7 MT versions with 314 hp at approximately 54.7 hp per litre. The 7.5 AT with 390 hp delivers approximately 52.3 hp per litre, while the measured-performance 7.5 AT with 380 hp delivers approximately 51.0 hp per litre.
Oldsmobile Cutlass performance and mpg
The third-generation 7.5 AT with 380 hp is the clear performance selection because it combines the strongest measured torque, 670 Nm, with the quickest measured acceleration, 7 seconds to 100 km/h, and the highest measured top speed, 185 km/h. Performance for every other third-generation version is not measured.
Within the fifth generation, the 5.0 AT is quickest and fastest: 11.9 seconds to 100 km/h and 184 km/h. Its 12.4 l/100 km combined consumption is also the joint-highest measured figure in this selection. The 3.8 MT with 117 hp follows at 12.7 seconds and 172 km/h while using 11.2 l/100 km combined.
The fifth-generation 5.7 AT Diesel prioritizes consumption rather than speed. It records 10.2 l/100 km in the city, 6.9 l/100 km on the highway, and 8.7 l/100 km combined—the lowest measured figures in all three categories. Its trade-off is 18 seconds to 100 km/h, making it 6.1 seconds slower than the 5.0 AT, while its top speed is 162 km/h.
Transmission choice materially changes some otherwise comparable versions. The 112 hp 3.8 MT reaches 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds and 167 km/h, whereas the 112 hp 3.8 AT needs 14.7 seconds and reaches 165 km/h. The Automatic is 1.2 seconds slower but improves combined consumption from 11.8 to 9.8 l/100 km, a reduction of 2.0 l/100 km.
Among the 117 hp 3.8 versions, the 3.8 MT records 12.7 seconds, 172 km/h, and 11.2 l/100 km combined. The 3.8 AT records 13.8 seconds, 170 km/h, and 10.7 l/100 km. Choosing the Automatic therefore adds 1.1 seconds to acceleration while reducing combined consumption by 0.5 l/100 km.
The 112 hp 4.3 MT is a stronger all-round choice than the 106 hp 4.3 MT: it adds 6 hp, cuts acceleration from 13.9 to 13.2 seconds, raises top speed from 167 to 170 km/h, and reduces combined consumption from 11.8 to 10.2 l/100 km. The sixth-generation 3.1 AT has no measured acceleration, top-speed, city, highway, or combined-consumption figures.
Oldsmobile Cutlass dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank size
Body length, width, height, and wheel sizes are not measured for any listed version. Gross weight is also not measured throughout the supplied data.
The sixth-generation 3.1 AT has a kerb weight of 1392 kg, ground clearance of 145 mm, and a 57-litre tank. Its weight-to-power figure is approximately 9.0 kg per hp, the best calculable result among versions with measured kerb weight.
Every detailed fifth-generation version has 130 mm of ground clearance and a 68-litre tank. Kerb weight ranges from 1418 kg for the 112 hp 3.8 AT to 1631 kg for the 5.7 AT Diesel. The Diesel is therefore 213 kg heavier. The 5.0 AT weighs 1511 kg and returns approximately 9.6 kg per hp, making it the strongest fifth-generation weight-to-power choice. By comparison, the 5.7 AT Diesel carries approximately 15.4 kg per hp.
Most third-generation kerb weights and tank sizes are not measured. The 7.5 AT with 380 hp weighs 1570 kg, giving approximately 4.1 kg per hp. Its tank size and ground clearance are not measured. The 5.7 AT with 325 hp and the 7.5 AT with 390 hp each have a 76-litre tank, but their kerb weights and ground clearances are not measured.
Which Oldsmobile Cutlass version should you buy?
Choose the third-generation 7.5 AT with 380 hp when verified performance matters most. It is the only third-generation version with complete acceleration and top-speed data, and its 670 Nm exceeds the 529 Nm of the 314 hp 5.7 AT by 141 Nm. Although the 7.5 AT with 390 hp offers 10 hp more, its torque, acceleration, top speed, and kerb weight are not measured, so the data cannot show that it is quicker.
Choose the fifth-generation 5.0 AT for the best measured balance of performance and weight in that generation. It has 157 hp, 325 Nm, a kerb weight of 1511 kg, 11.9-second acceleration, and a 184 km/h top speed. Its disadvantage is 12.4 l/100 km combined consumption.
Choose the fifth-generation 5.7 AT when fuel economy has priority. Its 8.7 l/100 km combined figure saves 3.7 l/100 km against the 5.0 AT, although it gives up 51 hp and takes 6.1 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h.
Choose the fifth-generation 3.8 AT with 112 hp when the goal is the most economical measured Gasoline specification. It uses 9.8 l/100 km combined, compared with 10.2 l/100 km for the 112 hp 4.3 MT and 10.7 l/100 km for several other options. Buyers who prefer quicker acceleration can instead select the matching 3.8 MT with 112 hp, accepting the 2.0 l/100 km combined-consumption increase.
Choose the sixth-generation 3.1 AT for the newest documented layout: 155 hp, 251 Nm, Distributed injection (multi-point), a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, FWD, 1392 kg kerb weight, and 145 mm clearance. It is 119 kg lighter than the fifth-generation 5.0 AT while producing only 2 hp less. However, its acceleration, top speed, and consumption remain not measured, so those aspects cannot be compared responsibly.