USA vs USA — 1966 vs 1970
| Toronado 455 | 442 W-30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 370 hp |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec | 5.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 135 mph | 135 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | 13.7 sec |
| Weight | 4,600 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 5,365 mm | 5,105 mm |
| Units Produced | 40,963 | 3,100 |
| Original MSRP | $4,617 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 455 excels in stronger collectibility, better value, while the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 stands out for quicker acceleration, greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 455 and 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 share a manufacturer in Oldsmobile, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Oldsmobile brand. The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 455 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 400 hp compared to 370 hp, a 30-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Oldsmobile Toronado uses a V8 OHV (Oldsmobile 455 Rocket) displacing 7,456 cc, while the Oldsmobile 442 relies on a V8 OHV with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 edges ahead at 5.7 seconds versus 7.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 3,100 units built, the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 is considerably scarcer than the Oldsmobile Toronado's 40,963 examples. On the collector market, the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 commands a significant premium over the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 455, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 455 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.