1979 Holden GTS vs. 1996 Holden Nova
To start off, 1996 Holden Nova is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Holden GTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Holden GTS would be higher. At 4,141 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Holden GTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Holden GTS (158 HP @ 4550 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Holden GTS should accelerate faster than 1996 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Holden GTS weights approximately 410 kg more than 1996 Holden Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Holden GTS 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 1979 Holden GTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Holden Nova, 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, 1979 Holden GTS (326 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Holden GTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Holden GTS | 1996 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | GTS | Nova |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4141 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4550 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2470 mm |
