1998 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 17 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 17 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 450 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 316 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:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 316 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
