1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2002 Opel Astra
To start off, 2002 Opel Astra is newer by 24 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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Opel Astra weights approximately 34 kg more than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
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, 2002 Opel Astra, 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Astra. (127 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2002 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Holden | Opel |
| Model | Sunbird | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
