1997 Ford Contour vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 21 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 4,143 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 30 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 (325 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1976 Holden Sunbird has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Holden Sunbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Contour | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
