2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 24 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 236 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.
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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 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. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Malibu | Starfire |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
