1959 MG MGA vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (106 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1215 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 MG MGA is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 MG MGA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado (519 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA. 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1959 MG MGA has manual transmission. 1959 MG MGA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 MG MGA | 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | MG | Oldsmobile |
| Model | MGA | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 519 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 3110 mm |
