1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1989 Vauxhall Nova
To start off, 1989 Vauxhall Nova is newer by 13 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 53 more horse power than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 420 kg more than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. 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, 1989 Vauxhall Nova, 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. (69 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Vauxhall Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1989 Vauxhall Nova | |
| Make | Holden | Vauxhall |
| Model | Sunbird | Nova |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2350 mm |
