2009 Lexus IS vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 30 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, 2009 Lexus IS (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (130 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 327 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, 2009 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Lexus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | IS | Starfire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 15.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
