1968 Ford Ranchero vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Ranchero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Ranchero would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Ranchero (355 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado. (265 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Ranchero should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 550 kg more than 1968 Ford Ranchero.
Because 1968 Ford Ranchero 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 Ford Ranchero. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1968 Ford Ranchero (651 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Ranchero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Ranchero | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ranchero | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7022 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.8 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.2 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3110 mm |
