1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 9 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire weights approximately 18 kg more than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (252 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire has manual transmission. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Cutlass | Starfire |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
