1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 1999 Kia Elan
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 23 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 2,832 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Elan (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia 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 77 kg more than 1999 Kia 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, 1999 Kia 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (224 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 1999 Kia Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Sunbird | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2832 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2260 mm |
