1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1994 Opel Astra
To start off, 1994 Opel Astra is newer by 18 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, 1994 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (101 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 7 kg more than 1994 Opel Astra.
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, 1994 Opel Astra, 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, 1994 Opel Astra (168 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1994 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1994 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Holden | Opel |
| Model | Sunbird | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1113 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
