1980 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado (124 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 525 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 1980 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 1980 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, 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Toronado | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 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 |
