1979 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (163 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 570 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Toronado | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
