1979 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (163 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 344 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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 Volkswagen GTI, 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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Toronado | GTI |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
