1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper 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 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 35 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper.
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 Mini Cooper, 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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mini Cooper. (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Holden | Mini |
| Model | Sunbird | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
