1972 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado (266 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1375 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Toronado | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7446 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 108 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2115 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5620 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
