1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 2012 Mazda CX-9
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-9 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 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (247 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 683 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 Mazda CX-9, 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 (436 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-9. (366 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-9. 2012 Mazda CX-9 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 Mazda CX-9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 2012 Mazda CX-9 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Sunbird | CX-9 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5044 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 436 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1963 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2875 mm |
