1979 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado.
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 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 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:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Toronado | A |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
