2008 BMW 523 vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 27 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, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 210 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 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:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 523 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
