1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1964 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1978 Holden Sunbird is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Holden Sunbird (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 200 kg more than 1964 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Wartburg 312, 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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1964 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Holden | Wartburg |
| Model | Sunbird | 312 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2460 mm |
