1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 166 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.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sunbird | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2860 mm |
