1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 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 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 190 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1978 Holden Sunbird has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Holden Sunbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2590 mm |
