1974 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 325 kg more than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Toronado | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7446 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.9 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 108 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2115 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5620 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3030 mm |
