1989 BMW 518 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1989 BMW 518 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 955 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 518 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 1989 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 518 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3110 mm |
