1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 2 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (101 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 370 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, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Holden |
| Model | Nova | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2590 mm |
