1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 17 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, 1995 BMW Z3 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW Z3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1978 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, 1995 BMW Z3 (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | Z3 | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |
