1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 34 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (161 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 320 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.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Holden | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sunbird | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2685 mm |
