1979 Datsun 280 vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, both 1979 Datsun 280 and 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun 280 (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun 280 should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire weights approximately 61 kg more than 1979 Datsun 280.
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, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun 280 | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Datsun | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 280 | Starfire |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2751 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2470 mm |
