1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1997 Mazda 121
To start off, 1997 Mazda 121 is newer by 21 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 4,143 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 221 kg more than 1997 Mazda 121. 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, 1997 Mazda 121, 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 (325 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1997 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Sunbird | 121 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4143 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2460 mm |
