1974 Austin 1800 vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1976 Holden Sunbird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (97 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1974 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Austin 1800 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Because 1976 Holden Sunbird 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 1976 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Austin 1800, 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin 1800. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin 1800 | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Austin | Holden |
| Model | 1800 | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2590 mm |
