1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 2005 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Opel Meriva is newer by 29 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 50 more horse power than 2005 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Meriva weights approximately 163 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
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, 2005 Opel Meriva, 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Meriva. (165 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 2005 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Holden | Opel |
| Model | Sunbird | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4143 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
