1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Holden Sunbird (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 320 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunbird | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2340 mm |
