2003 Audi A3 vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 2003 Audi A3 is newer by 24 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A3 (246 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A3 weights approximately 145 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.
Because 2003 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A3. (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Audi | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A3 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3188 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 246 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
