1977 Holden Sunbird vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1977 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1977 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 82 kg more than 1977 Holden Sunbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Holden Sunbird. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1977 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1977 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Holden Sunbird | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Holden | Ford |
| Model | Sunbird | Contour |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
