1994 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 20 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, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado. (265 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 650 kg more than 1994 BMW M3.
Because 1994 BMW M3 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 1994 BMW M3. 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 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW M3. (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW M3. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW M3 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:
| 1994 BMW M3 | 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M3 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 91 L |
