1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2003 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 2003 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 25 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 580 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, 2003 Buick Park Avenue, 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, 2003 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 2003 Buick Park Avenue has automatic transmission and 1978 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1978 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2003 Buick Park Avenue | |
| Make | Holden | Buick |
| Model | Sunbird | Park Avenue |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2780 mm |
