1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 125 kg more than 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer.
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, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Holden | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sunbird | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
