1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Holden Sunbird 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 53 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 340 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunbird | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
