1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 218 kg more than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (542 Nm) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Sunbird | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
