1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1979 Ford Fairlane is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Fairlane (185 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (108 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 255 kg more than 1976 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (344 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (259 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Fairlane | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2590 mm |
