1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1997 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1997 Nissan Maxima 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 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (97 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 185 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, 1997 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1997 Nissan Maxima (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1997 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Holden | Nissan |
| Model | Sunbird | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
