1958 Holden FE vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1978 Holden Sunbird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Holden FE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Holden FE would be higher. At 2,166 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Holden FE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Holden Sunbird (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1958 Holden FE. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1958 Holden FE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 180 kg more than 1958 Holden FE. 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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Holden FE. (150 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Holden FE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Holden FE | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | FE | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2166 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2590 mm |
