1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1997 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 19 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 2,616 cc, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 150 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1997 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Sunbird | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
