1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1997 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 19 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 460 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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2590 mm |
