1997 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado (266 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 815 kg more than 1997 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1972 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M3 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3110 mm |
