2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 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 76 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1265 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise 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:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elise | Toronado |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 91 L |
