1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 17 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 10 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 77 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire.
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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | C | Starfire |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
