USA vs USA — 1966 vs 1970
| Toronado 455 | Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 365 hp |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 135 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | 14.6 sec |
| Weight | 4,600 lbs | 4,101 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 3,099 mm |
| Length | 5,365 mm | 5,588 mm |
| Units Produced | 40,963 | 105,237 |
| Original MSRP | $4,617 | $3,253 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $42,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 455 brings higher top speed, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Oldsmobile has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 455 with the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 455 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 400 hp compared to 365 hp, a 35-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 Delta 88 Royale relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Rocket 455 edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 7.5 seconds. The Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 499 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.