2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 27 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 222 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 159 | Starfire |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
