1971 Holden Monaro vs. 1989 Holden Nova
To start off, 1989 Holden Nova is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Monaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Monaro would be higher. At 5,040 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Holden Monaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Holden Monaro (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1989 Holden Nova. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Holden Monaro should accelerate faster than 1989 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Holden Monaro weights approximately 360 kg more than 1989 Holden Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Holden Monaro 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 1971 Holden Monaro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Holden Nova, 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, 1971 Holden Monaro (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Holden Monaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Holden Monaro | 1989 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | Monaro | Nova |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5040 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2440 mm |
