1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 655 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (224 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sunbird | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2832 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
