1996 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Honda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Civic | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3110 mm |
