1996 Ford Probe vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1996 Ford Probe is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 480 kg more than 1996 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Probe, 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Probe | 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
Model | Probe | Toronado |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4129 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 172 Nm | 278 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5230 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2040 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |