1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2003 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2003 Toyota Avensis 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Avensis (148 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Avensis should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 245 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 Toyota Avensis, 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 Toyota Avensis (193 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Avensis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 2003 Toyota Avensis 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 Toyota Avensis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2003 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Holden | Toyota |
| Model | Sunbird | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
