1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Specifications

Specifications

1978 1979 1980 1988

Features

Engine Location :	Front
Drive Type :	Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis :	Separate body on perimeter box
Production Years for Series :	1978 - 1988
Price :	$4,500-$5,245
Weight :	3015 lbs \| 1367.581 kg

Engine & Transmission

V 6 90-degree
Displacement :	3785 cc \| 231.0 cu in. \| 3.8 L.
Power :	105 HP (77.28 KW) @ 3400 RPM
Torque :	185 Ft-Lbs (251 NM) @ 2000 RPM
Bore :	3.8 in \| 97 mm.
Stroke :	3.4 in \| 86 mm.
Compression :	8.0:1
Main Bearings :	4
Construction :	Cast-iron block and head
Rochester 2-barrel carburetor

V 8 90-degree
Displacement :	4261 cc \| 260.0 cu in. \| 4.3 L.
Power :	110 HP (80.96 KW) @ 3400 RPM
Torque :	205 Ft-Lbs (278 NM) @ 1800 RPM
Bore :	3.5 in \| 89 mm.
Stroke :	3.4 in \| 86 mm.
Compression :	7.5:1
Main Bearings :	5
Construction :	Cast-iron block and head
Rochester 2GC carburetor

V 8 90-degree
Displacement :	4998 cc \| 305.0 cu in. \| 5.0 L.
Power :	145 HP (106.72 KW) @ 3800 RPM
Torque :	245 Ft-Lbs (332 NM) @ 2400 RPM
Bore :	3.7 in \| 95 mm.
Stroke :	3.5 in \| 88 mm.
Compression :	8.4:1
Main Bearings :	5
Construction :	Cast-iron block and head
Rochester 2-Barrel Model 2GC

V 8 90-degree
Displacement :	4998 cc \| 305.0 cu in. \| 5.0 L.
Power :	160 HP (117.76 KW) @ 4000 RPM
Torque :	235 Ft-Lbs (319 NM) @ 2400 RPM
Bore :	3.7 in \| 95 mm.
Stroke :	3.5 in \| 88 mm.
Compression :	8.4:1
Main Bearings :	5
Construction :	Cast-iron block and head
1 4-barrel carburetor

V 8 90-degree
Displacement :	5735 cc \| 350.0 cu in. \| 5.7 L.
Power :	160 HP (117.76 KW) @ 3800 RPM
Torque :	260 Ft-Lbs (353 NM) @ 2400 RPM
Bore :	4.0 in \| 102 mm.
Stroke :	3.5 in \| 88 mm.
Compression :	8.2:1
Main Bearings :	5
Construction :	Cast-iron block and head
Rochester M4MC 4-barrel carburetor

V 8 90-degree
Displacement :	5735 cc \| 350.0 cu in. \| 5.7 L.
Power :	170 HP (125.12 KW) @ 3800 RPM
Torque :	275 Ft-Lbs (373 NM) @ 2000 RPM
Bore :	4.1 in \| 103 mm.
Stroke :	3.4 in \| 86 mm.
Compression :	7.9:1
Main Bearings :	5
Construction :	Cast-iron block and head
Rochester M4MC carburetor

V 8 90-degree
Displacement :	6604 cc \| 403.0 cu in. \| 6.6 L.
Power :	185 HP (136.16 KW) @ 3600 RPM
Torque :	320 Ft-Lbs (434 NM) @ 2000 RPM
Bore :	4.4 in \| 110 mm.
Stroke :	3.4 in \| 86 mm.
Compression :	7.9:1
Main Bearings :	5
Construction :	Cast-iron block and head
Rochester 4MC 4-barrel carburetor

Transmission:
4 Automatic Floor shift , 5 Manual , 3 Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic

Production Figures

Total Oldsmobile Production for 1978 :	1,015,805
Total 1978 Cutlass production :	527,606
1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Cruiser Station Wagon 4 dr. 6 P :	44,617
Salon Brougham Coupe 2 dr. 6 P :	10,741
Salon Brougham Sedan 4 dr. 6 P :	21,902
Salon Coupe 2 dr. 6 P :	21,198
Salon Sedan 4 dr. 6 P :	29,509
Supreme Brougham Coupe 2 dr. 6 P :	117,880
Supreme Calais Coupe 2 dr. 5 P :	40,842
Supreme Coupe 2 dr. 6 P :	240,917

Dimension(s)

Salon Coupe

Exterior
Fuel Capacity :	17.5 Gal
Seating Capacity :	6
Doors :	2
Length :	197.7 in \| 5022 mm.
Width :	71.3 in \| 1811 mm.
Height :	54.2 in \| 1377 mm.
Wheelbase :	108.1 in \| 2746 mm.
Front Track :	58.5 in \| 1486 mm.
Rear Track :	57.7 in \| 1466 mm.

Salon Sedan

Chassis # 3J09F82450951
Auction entries : 1

Exterior
Price :	$4,500
Weight :	3070 lbs \| 1392.529 kg
Fuel Capacity :	17.5 Gal
Seating Capacity :	6
Doors :	4
Length :	197.7 in \| 5022 mm.
Width :	71.3 in \| 1811 mm.
Height :	54.2 in \| 1377 mm.
Wheelbase :	108.1 in \| 2746 mm.
Front Track :	58.5 in \| 1486 mm.
Rear Track :	57.7 in \| 1466 mm.

Salon Brougham Coupe

Chassis # 3M47H82

Exterior
Price :	$4,700
Weight :	3015 lbs \| 1367.581 kg
Fuel Capacity :	17.5 Gal
Seating Capacity :	6
Doors :	2
Length :	197.7 in \| 5022 mm.
Width :	71.3 in \| 1811 mm.
Height :	54.2 in \| 1377 mm.
Wheelbase :	108.1 in \| 2746 mm.
Front Track :	58.5 in \| 1486 mm.
Rear Track :	57.7 in \| 1466 mm.

Salon Brougham Sedan

Exterior
Price :	$4,800
Weight :	3120 lbs \| 1415.208 kg
Fuel Capacity :	17.5 Gal
Seating Capacity :	6
Doors :	4
Length :	197.7 in \| 5022 mm.
Width :	71.3 in \| 1811 mm.
Height :	54.2 in \| 1377 mm.
Wheelbase :	108.1 in \| 2746 mm.
Front Track :	58.5 in \| 1486 mm.
Rear Track :	57.7 in \| 1466 mm.

Supreme Coupe

Chassis # 3R47F8D450468
View info And history

Exterior
Price :	$4,840
Weight :	3160 lbs \| 1433.352 kg
Fuel Capacity :	17.5 Gal
Seating Capacity :	6
Doors :	2
Length :	197.7 in \| 5022 mm.
Width :	71.3 in \| 1811 mm.
Height :	54.2 in \| 1377 mm.
Wheelbase :	108.1 in \| 2746 mm.
Front Track :	58.5 in \| 1486 mm.
Rear Track :	57.7 in \| 1466 mm.

Cruiser Station Wagon

Exterior
Price :	$5,240
Weight :	3210 lbs \| 1456.032 kg
Fuel Capacity :	17.5 Gal
Seating Capacity :	6
Doors :	4
Length :	197.7 in \| 5022 mm.
Width :	71.3 in \| 1811 mm.
Height :	54.2 in \| 1377 mm.
Wheelbase :	108.1 in \| 2746 mm.
Front Track :	58.5 in \| 1486 mm.
Rear Track :	57.7 in \| 1466 mm.

Supreme Brougham Coupe

Exterior
Price :	$5,245
Weight :	3140 lbs \| 1424.28 kg
Fuel Capacity :	17.5 Gal
Seating Capacity :	6
Doors :	2
Length :	197.7 in \| 5022 mm.
Width :	71.3 in \| 1811 mm.
Height :	54.2 in \| 1377 mm.
Wheelbase :	108.1 in \| 2746 mm.
Front Track :	58.5 in \| 1486 mm.
Rear Track :	57.7 in \| 1466 mm.

Supreme Calais Coupe

Exterior
Price :	$5,200
Weight :	3150 lbs \| 1428.816 kg
Fuel Capacity :	17.5 Gal
Seating Capacity :	5
Doors :	2
Length :	197.7 in \| 5022 mm.
Width :	71.3 in \| 1811 mm.
Height :	54.2 in \| 1377 mm.
Wheelbase :	108.1 in \| 2746 mm.
Front Track :	58.5 in \| 1486 mm.
Rear Track :	57.7 in \| 1466 mm.

Handling

Suspension
Front : Coil springs with control arms and anti-sway bar Rear : Rigid axle with coil springs, lower trailing radius arms and upper torque arms

Steering
Recirculating Ball

Tires / Wheels
Tires :	P185/75R14

Recall

Component	EQUIPMENT
Manufacturer	HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NHTSA Campaign ID	07E088000
Summary	CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Consequence	THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy	HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Notes	CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO SAFERCAR.GOV.

Component	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
Manufacturer	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NHTSA Campaign ID	85V048000
Summary	EXCESSIVE ENLARGEMENT OF THE WHEEL CYLINDER PILOT HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE COULD ALLOW THE WHEEL CYLINDER TO ROTATE AND CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID LEADS TO LOSS OF REAR BRAKE ACTION, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. FRONT BRAKES WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL.
Remedy	ADD A PART TO PREVENT WHEEL CYLINDER FROM ROTATING.
Notes	NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1985 AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1985.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MIDSIZE PASSENGER CARS AND SMALL TRUCKS. SYSTEM: REAR BRAKES.

Component	SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
Manufacturer	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Mfr Report Date	19770801
NHTSA Campaign ID	79V175000
Summary	UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARING AREA WHICH CAN AFFECT THE WHEEL BEARING GREASE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE BEARING. THIS CONDITION MAY BE FURTHER AGGRAVATED BY IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.
Remedy	THE DEALER WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARINGS PACKED WITH GREASE AND THE SPINDLE WILL BE COATED WITH LUBRICANT. NEW GREASE RETAINER CAPS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO MAINTAIN GREASE IN OUTER BEARING. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes	VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; WHEELS; BEARING GREASE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITHINADEQUATE LUBRICATION MAY CAUSE FAILURE OF THE FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARING ANDTHE SPINDLE. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT MAY RESULT.NOTE: BEARING AND SPINDLE FAILURE MAY BE PRECEDED BY A NOTICEABLE VIBRATION ANDNOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE.

Component	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Manufacturer	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Mfr Report Date	19770801
NHTSA Campaign ID	78V139000
Summary	THE HUB PORTION OF THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK DUE TO HIGH STRESS LEVELS GENERATED DURING ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS. EVENTUALLY, THE BLADE COULD BREAK APART AT THE HUB AND BLADE PIECES COULD BE PROPELLED INTO THE ENGINE. IF THE HOOD IS OPEN WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE FRAGMENTS WOULD BE FREE TO FLY FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy	DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes	VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: ENGINE COOLING; FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FAN FAILURE COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS IN THEENGINE AREA, OR PERSONAL INJURY TO BYSTANDERS IF THE HOOD IS OPEN AT THE TIME.NOTE: THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE SERVICED WITH THE HOOD OPEN AND THE ENGINERUNNING UNTIL THE DEFECT IS CORRECTED.

Component	SUSPENSION:REAR
Manufacturer	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Mfr Report Date	19770801
NHTSA Campaign ID	81V025000
Summary	THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE.
Remedy	BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes	SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BOLTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE FRACTURE OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION,IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Component	POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Manufacturer	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Mfr Report Date	19770801
NHTSA Campaign ID	84V149000
Summary	REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AXLES THAT WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy	THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE BUFFALO PLANT. IF SO, THEY WILL MAKE AXLE MEASUREMENTS AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE OR MODIFY AFFECTED AXLE COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes	VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; REAR AXLE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD LEAD TO LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Information provided by NHTSA
Data updated June 2024

1978 Averages

Avg. Household Income :	$17,000
Avg. Home :	$54,800
Avg. Gallon of Gas :	$0.63

1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass FAQs (show)

Popular frequently asked questions include:

What are the dimension and mechanical specifications of the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
How many 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass were produced?
How powerful was the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass? Was the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass popular? Was the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass expensive? What was the fuel economy of the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass?

Q: What is the wheelbase size of the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass? A: The 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass has a wheelbase size of 108.10 inches.

Q: What is the length of the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass? A: The 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass has a length of 197.70 inches.

Q: What is the width of the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass? A: The 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass has a width of 71.30 inches.

Q: How much did the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass cost when new?A: The 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass cost approximately $4,500 to $5,245 (USD) when new.

Q: What were the bodystyles of the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass? A: The 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass was offered as a Cruiser Station Wagon, Salon Brougham Coupe, Salon Brougham Sedan, Salon Coupe, Salon Sedan, Supreme Brougham Coupe, Supreme Calais Coupe, Supreme Coupe.

Q: What tires did the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass have? A: The 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass had P185/75R14 tires.

Q: How many vehicles did Oldsmobile produce in 1978? A: Oldsmobile produced 1,015,805 automobiles in 1978.

Q: How many 1978 Cutlasss were produced? A: Oldsmobile produced 527,606 examples of the Cutlass in 1978.

Q: What engines did the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass have? A: The 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass had the following engine options: V 6 (3785 cc | 231.0 cu in. | 3.8 L.) with 105 HP (77.28 KW) @ 3400 RPM and 185 Ft-Lbs (251 NM) @ 2000 RPM

V 8 (4261 cc | 260.0 cu in. | 4.3 L.) with 110 HP (80.96 KW) @ 3400 RPM and 205 Ft-Lbs (278 NM) @ 1800 RPM

V 8 (4998 cc | 305.0 cu in. | 5.0 L.) with 145 HP (106.72 KW) @ 3800 RPM and 245 Ft-Lbs (332 NM) @ 2400 RPM

V 8 (4998 cc | 305.0 cu in. | 5.0 L.) with 160 HP (117.76 KW) @ 4000 RPM and 235 Ft-Lbs (319 NM) @ 2400 RPM

V 8 (5735 cc | 350.0 cu in. | 5.7 L.) with 160 HP (117.76 KW) @ 3800 RPM and 260 Ft-Lbs (353 NM) @ 2400 RPM

V 8 (5735 cc | 350.0 cu in. | 5.7 L.) with 170 HP (125.12 KW) @ 3800 RPM and 275 Ft-Lbs (373 NM) @ 2000 RPM

V 8 (6604 cc | 403.0 cu in. | 6.6 L.) with 185 HP (136.16 KW) @ 3600 RPM and 320 Ft-Lbs (434 NM) @ 2000 RPM

Q: What transmissions did the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass have? A: The 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass had the following gearbox options: 4 speed Automatic Floor shift, 5 speed Manual, 3 speed Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic.