USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1972
| Cutlass Supreme SX 455 | Cutlass 442 W-30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 320 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.0 sec | 6.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.2 sec | 14.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,750 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 5,182 mm | 5,232 mm |
| Units Produced | 16,833 | 772 |
| Original MSRP | $3,551 | $3,840 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $140,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 counters with more power, better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 with the 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 reveals how Oldsmobile refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 320 hp compared to 270 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme uses a V8 OHV (Oldsmobile 455) displacing 7,456 cc, while the Oldsmobile Cutlass relies on a V8 OHV with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 edges ahead at 6.1 seconds versus 7.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 772 units built, the 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 is considerably scarcer than the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme's 16,833 examples. On the collector market, the 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 commands a significant premium over the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.