1979 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 33 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 5 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Buick |
| Model | Toronado | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2837 mm |
