1979 Oldsmobile Starfire vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire would be higher. At 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 207 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Starfire | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4997 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1333 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
