1970 Austin 1800 vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire (130 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1970 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire weights approximately 143 kg more than 1970 Austin 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire 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 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Austin 1800, 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin 1800 | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 1800 | Starfire |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
