1971 Holden Statesman vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1976 Holden Sunbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (247 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1971 Holden Statesman. (182 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1971 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Holden Statesman weights approximately 150 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (436 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Holden Statesman. (356 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Holden Statesman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Holden Statesman | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | Statesman | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4140 cc | 5044 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 356 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2590 mm |
