Oldsmobile 0-60 & Quarter Mile Times

The 1969 Oldsmobile 442 was a legendary muscle car that embodied the spirit of American performance in the late 1960s. Its bold styling, with its aggressive lines and distinctive badging, hinted at the power that lurked under the hood. It was a car that commanded attention and respect on the street, a true icon of the muscle car era.

Underneath its muscular exterior, the 1969 442 housed a range of powerful V8 engine options. The standard engine was a 400 cubic inch V8 that produced 350 horsepower, while the optional W-30 package bumped that up to 360 horsepower. For those seeking even more power, the rare W-32 option delivered a monstrous 365 horsepower. These engines, paired with either a three-speed manual, four-speed manual, or three-speed automatic transmission, propelled the 442 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, making it a formidable contender on the drag strip.

The 442's performance wasn't just about straight-line speed. It also boasted a heavy-duty suspension, wider tires, and upgraded brakes that improved its handling and stopping power. The car's balanced chassis and responsive steering made it surprisingly agile for its size, allowing it to carve corners with confidence. It was a car that could hold its own on both the street and the track, a testament to Oldsmobile's commitment to performance engineering.

The 1996 Oldsmobile LSS was a surprising performance contender in the full-size sedan segment, a departure from the brand's more traditional image. While prioritizing comfort and luxury, Oldsmobile injected a dose of sportiness into this model, attracting a new audience of drivers who craved both performance and refinement.

Under the hood, the LSS boasted a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 engine, a technological marvel for its time, that produced a robust 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This power, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, propelled the LSS from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.9 seconds, making it surprisingly quick for a full-size sedan. Its acceleration was smooth and linear, delivering a confident and effortless driving experience.

Beyond its straight-line speed, the LSS offered a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels. While it may not have been as agile as some smaller sports sedans, the LSS held its own on winding roads, providing a comfortable yet engaging driving experience. Its spacious interior, luxurious features, and surprising performance made it a unique offering in the full-size sedan segment, appealing to those who sought a blend of comfort, luxury, and a touch of sportiness.

The 1992 Oldsmobile Achieva SC, a sporty coupe offering from the early 90s, aimed to inject a dose of excitement into the otherwise practical Achieva lineup. With its sleek design and performance-oriented features, it sought to appeal to a younger audience seeking a fun and affordable driving experience.

Under the hood, the Achieva SC packed a 2.3-liter Quad 4 High Output engine, producing 180 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission, propelled the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. While not the fastest car on the road, it offered a peppy and responsive performance that was well-suited for spirited driving.

The Achieva SC's performance extended beyond just acceleration. Its sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, and grippy tires provided decent handling and responsiveness, making it fun to toss around corners. The car's styling, with its aerodynamic body kit, rear spoiler, and sporty interior, further emphasized its performance aspirations.

While the 1992 Oldsmobile Achieva SC may not have been a groundbreaking performance car, it offered a respectable amount of power and handling for its time. It represented a shift in Oldsmobile's focus towards attracting a younger audience with sportier and more engaging vehicles. Although the Achieva SC may not be remembered as an iconic sports car, it played a role in Oldsmobile's efforts to revitalize its image and appeal to a new generation of drivers.

The 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais, while not a quintessential muscle car, offered a surprising level of performance for its time. It represented a shift in Oldsmobile's focus towards sportier and more engaging vehicles, particularly with its higher trim levels.

The highlight of the 1991 Cutlass Calais lineup was the Quad 442 model, equipped with a high-output version of Oldsmobile's Quad 4 engine. This 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produced 190 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for the lightweight sedan. With its five-speed manual transmission, the Quad 442 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, a respectable figure for the era.

The Quad 442 also boasted a sport-tuned suspension, wider tires, and a limited-slip differential, enhancing its handling and agility. It was a car that could be surprisingly fun to drive, especially on twisty roads. Even the base model Cutlass Calais, with its 160-horsepower Quad 4 engine, offered a decent level of performance for its time.

While not as iconic as some of Oldsmobile's classic muscle cars, the 1991 Cutlass Calais, especially the Quad 442, showcased the brand's ability to create engaging and affordable performance vehicles. It appealed to a younger audience seeking a sporty and practical car, demonstrating that Oldsmobile was willing to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences.

The 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora, a flagship luxury sedan, offered a blend of sophisticated style and refined performance. While not a sports car in the traditional sense, it delivered a smooth and capable driving experience that catered to those who appreciated a balance of comfort and power.

Buyers had a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 215 horsepower or a 4.0-liter V8 boasting 250 horsepower. The latter, a smaller version of Cadillac's Northstar engine, was the performance highlight of the lineup. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, it propelled the Aurora from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.4 seconds. Though not blisteringly fast, the V8 delivered ample power for effortless cruising and passing maneuvers.

The Aurora's performance wasn't just about straight-line acceleration. Its well-tuned suspension and precise handling made it a joy to drive on winding roads, while its comfortable ride ensured a pleasant experience even on long journeys. The sedan's sleek and aerodynamic design not only turned heads but also contributed to its overall performance and efficiency.

While the 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora may not have been the most overtly sporty car on the market, it offered a satisfying balance of performance, luxury, and comfort. Its powerful V8 engine, refined handling, and upscale interior made it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a premium sedan that didn't sacrifice driving enjoyment.