I've heard people say that a Cutlass has a much better ride than a Chevelle and it got me thinking why? when they share most suspension parts and are of the same basic design. I know Oldsmobiles are better but what specifically is it?

 

I agree, they are almost all the same. The Olds may weight a little more. But the main difference, is the motor, and the Olds probley has a, nicer interior, and exterior trim. Personal prefrance. When I bought my first Olds, I was looking for a Chevelle, and the Olds dealer gave me a better buy, and in 1968, every dollar was a big deal

 

But they DON'T share most suspension parts. Sure, if you look in the aftermarket catalogs today they have the same parts listed for Olds and Chevy. But if you go back to the original part numbers installed on the assembly line, they were not the same.

Maybe I'm biased, but it's always been my impression that Olds allowed their engineers to spend a lot more time fine-tuning things like suspension, carburetion, and transmissions than did Chevy.

And then there's the simple issue of trim level and accessories. Olds were simply built nicer than the equivalent Chevy model.

Finally, there's the pride and work ethic of the folks in the Lansing factory (if you're lucky enough to have your Olds built there). Seriously, there's a work ethic in central and western Michigan that you don't often find elsewhere. And the stories I hear from former Lansing employees show they had a lot of pride. This is born out by the fact that the Lansing factory consistently produced higher quality product (acknowledged by GM corporate) -- even though they were pumping out cars faster than any other plant!

 

for sure a better ride by far, Nice big pillow top seats. So comfortable you can fall a sleep

 

Because Joe Spagnoli(sp?) said so.

 

They cost more.

 

The Olds was more luxurious. It was designed with more creature comforts like power seats, locks, windows, etc.
Door panels and seats were nicer looking and had more padding.
There are a few minor differences in suspension, particularly the front, which added a little bit better ride. The weight of all the extra comfort stuff made the ride seem smoother also.
Also, the looks were classier.

 

Definitely x2

I think the suspension set ups were also different with respect to sway bars which would make a difference in handling/ride quality.

 

Look, the reality is that the frames are the same, much of the bodies are the same (or at least the same gauge metal), the transmissions are the same, in most years the rear axles are the same, the front suspensions are the same, etc, etc. The biggest differences are the engines, the suspension tuning, and (most importantly) the marketing hype. Oldsmobiles are "better" because they are NOT belly-button Chevies.

 

Power seats, locks, and windows?????? I like Joe's description better, lol!!!!

 

Many more Olds's came equipped with these than the Chevies did. The big reason parts for these systems are so hard to find and so costly is that so many Chevy owners want them to put in their cars 'cause they did not come equipped with 'em from the factory. At least this is what a big parts vendor told me...

 

Don't ferget round vs oval bushings on the one side of the front lower control arms.

 

And you believed it?? They're business owners supplying a market.
They dictate prices.

So why not post your justification ??

Personally the cars are the same to me. It's all about personal taste & engine choices.
I think a 1970 442 looks far better with the dual intake hood then a Chevelle SS.
However the 1970 Chevelle SS was faster with 450hp.

HOWEVER......I also think a 1970 GTO Judge is pretty badass myself.
So between the Buick GS, Chevelle SS, GTO Judge, and 442 the 442 is the best looking IMO.
A Buick GSX might be rare.....but they do nothing for me.

Just choosing 1970 because IMO that and 1969 were the pinnacle of the muscle car era in looks and power.
Here's a cool vid of a vert war on a bridge. Most likely a SBC in the Chevelle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62B-dXRXwfU

 

For parts they were not even selling?
I never said I believed it, just passing on what I heard, hence that last disclaimer.
Not sure who to believe these days, especially when big companies are involved.

 

Because its what we own and drive.

 

'Oldsmobile' sounds better than all the others.

 

Ir was a joke about my particular Olds, lol. Did not mean to offend!

 

I have a Chevelle SS and there is not much difference in the way they both drive and handle, they are both 4 speeds.

 

To the Oldspeople.

 

My 56 is a totally different chassis from a 56 chevy, but even then the car had front and rear sway bars.
The older parts catalogs generally showed different springs for Olds vs Chevy, but the new ones don't (most of them dont even separate wagons, anymore).
But the real difference was shock valving, at least from the factory, now days the part numbers have all been consolidated.
I started off a Pontiac guy (66 Tempest) and I was always amazed when I would we would get a late 60s Chevelle up on the hoist and notice the visibly thinner shocks and lack of even a front sway bar.
Chevrolet usually made up for this with firmer springs.
I know this trend continues into the late 70s.
I ordered a set of Addco sway bars for a 78 cutlass wagon I had, only to find the same size front bar came stock on the car, and it already had a rear bar (a bit smaller than the Addco).