1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2009 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 31 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 31 kg more than 2009 Honda Element.
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, 2009 Honda Element, 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, 2009 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2009 Honda Element | |
| Make | Holden | Honda |
| Model | Sunbird | Element |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
