1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1993 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1993 Lancia Thema is newer by 15 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 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lancia Thema (116 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lancia Thema weights approximately 250 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 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, 1993 Lancia Thema, 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, 1993 Lancia Thema (255 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1993 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1993 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Holden | Lancia |
| Model | Sunbird | Thema |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
