1979 Oldsmobile Starfire vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 32 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW Z4 weights approximately 257 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (406 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | BMW |
| Model | Starfire | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4997 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1333 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
