1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 2 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire (130 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire weights approximately 533 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Fiesta | Starfire |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
