1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2005 Kia Opirus
To start off, 2005 Kia Opirus is newer by 27 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Opirus weights approximately 600 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, 2005 Kia Opirus, 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, 2005 Kia Opirus (294 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 2005 Kia Opirus 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. 2005 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2005 Kia Opirus | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Sunbird | Opirus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2810 mm |
