1981 Ford Laser vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1981 Ford Laser is newer by 5 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 2,832 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 353 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser, 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (224 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Laser | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Laser | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2590 mm |
