1982 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 314 more horse power than 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado. (106 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 495 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 441 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado. (278 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Toronado | W12 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5734 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
