1989 Vauxhall Belmont vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1989 Vauxhall Belmont 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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 200 kg more than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont. 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, 1989 Vauxhall Belmont, 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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Vauxhall Belmont | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Holden |
| Model | Belmont | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2590 mm |
