1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 86 kg more than 2009 Toyota Corolla.
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 Toyota Corolla, 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 Toyota Corolla (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 2009 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2009 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Holden | Toyota |
| Model | Sunbird | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2610 mm |
