1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 290 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | S | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 4128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
