1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V is newer by 18 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V (139 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V weights approximately 840 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V (211 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1996 Mercedes-Benz V | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sunbird | V |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3010 mm |
