1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1983 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1983 Ford Fairlane is newer by 7 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fairlane (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (108 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 455 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird. 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (259 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird. 1983 Ford Fairlane 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. 1983 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1983 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Holden | Ford |
| Model | Sunbird | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2950 mm |
