1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Lotus Elan is newer by 19 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, 1995 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (97 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 140 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan.
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, 1995 Lotus Elan, 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, 1995 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Sunbird | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2260 mm |
