2002 Audi A3 vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 2002 Audi A3 is newer by 24 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 161 more horse power than 2002 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 2002 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 820 kg more than 2002 Audi A3. 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 268 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Audi A3. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Audi A3. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 2002 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2002 Audi A3 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:
| 2002 Audi A3 | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Audi | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A3 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1295 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 91 L |
