1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe

To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 36 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (97 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 610 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 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. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1976 Holden Sunbird 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Make Holden Hyundai
Model Sunbird Santa Fe
Year Released 1976 2012
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1897 cc 3500 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 97 HP 276 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 6300 RPM
Torque 157 Nm 336 Nm
Torque RPM 3600 RPM 5000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed shiftable automatic
Vehicle Weight 1160 kg 1770 kg
Vehicle Length 4500 mm 4676 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1890 mm
Vehicle Height 1340 mm 1725 mm
Wheelbase Size 2590 mm 2700 mm