1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 264 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Sunbird | Elise |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2310 mm |
