1973 Honda Z vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Z would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1973 Honda Z. (32 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1155 kg more than 1973 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda Z, 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Z. (43 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Z. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1973 Honda Z has manual transmission. 1973 Honda Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Z | 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Honda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Z | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 599 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 32 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 43 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3140 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2910 mm |
