1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1978 Holden Sunbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 454 kg more than 1978 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1978 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1978 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Holden | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Sunbird | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2960 mm |
