1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 12 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 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 97 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 50 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, 1988 Lancia Thema, 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 (436 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Holden | Lancia |
| Model | Sunbird | Thema |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5044 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 436 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
