1989 Chrysler Viper vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 1989 Chrysler Viper is newer by 10 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler Viper (449 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 202 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, 1989 Chrysler Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chrysler Viper | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Chrysler | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Viper | Starfire |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 449 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
