1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1989 Nissan Prairie
To start off, 1989 Nissan Prairie is newer by 11 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 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Prairie is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Prairie (98 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Prairie should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Prairie weights approximately 30 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.
Because 1989 Nissan Prairie is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Holden Sunbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Prairie will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Nissan Prairie (164 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Prairie will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 1989 Nissan Prairie 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. 1989 Nissan Prairie will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1989 Nissan Prairie | |
| Make | Holden | Nissan |
| Model | Sunbird | Prairie |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
