I think the starting problem has to do with the fact that the car atomizes fuel better when warmer than it does when the engine is cold. Also the engine clearances are slightly greater when warm than cold and this allows the engine to spin more freely.
If I were you I would use the block heater as much as possible and use a synthetic oil like a 0W-30 in the winter. Also you may want to use a little higher octane fuel as it will help it to start better in the winter. Finally, a can of fuel line antifreeze will not hurt either.