1978 Holden Sunbird vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 301 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunbird | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2803 mm |
