1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (101 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 284 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.
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, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1976 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1976 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Holden | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Sunbird | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
