1997 Holden Commodore vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1997 Holden Commodore 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 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Holden Commodore (225 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Commodore weights approximately 390 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 Holden Commodore (395 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Commodore | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | Commodore | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4987 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2590 mm |
