1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1981 Nissan Cherry is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Sunbird 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 8 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 310 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 1981 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 1976 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1976 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Holden | Nissan |
| Model | Sunbird | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2400 mm |
