1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 35 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 (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (101 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 575 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird. 2011 BMW 520 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Holden | BMW |
| Model | Sunbird | 520 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2968 mm |
