1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova 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 135 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 625 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Chevrolet Nova 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 1968 Chevrolet Nova. 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 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (318 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova 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:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Nova | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5025 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 519 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3110 mm |
