USA vs USA — 1949 vs 1970
| Rocket 88 Club Coupe | Cutlass Supreme SX 455 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 135 hp | 320 hp |
| Torque | 265 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,310 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.0 sec | 7.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 15.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,550 lbs | 3,750 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 5,110 mm | 5,182 mm |
| Units Produced | 303,695 | 16,833 |
| Original MSRP | $2,150 | $3,551 |
| Value (Excellent) | $95,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Club Coupe counters with lighter weight, stronger collectibility, 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 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Club Coupe and 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 share a manufacturer in Oldsmobile, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Oldsmobile brand. The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 320 hp compared to 135 hp, a 185-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,310 cc, while the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme relies on a V8 OHV (Oldsmobile 455) with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 edges ahead at 7.0 seconds versus 13.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 16,833 units built, the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 is considerably scarcer than the Oldsmobile Rocket 88's 303,695 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.