1997 Holden Nova vs. 1980 Holden Kingswood
To start off, 1997 Holden Nova is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Kingswood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Kingswood would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Holden Kingswood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Holden Nova (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1980 Holden Kingswood. (89 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Kingswood. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Holden Kingswood weights approximately 280 kg more than 1997 Holden Nova.
Because 1980 Holden Kingswood 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 1980 Holden Kingswood. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Holden Nova, 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, 1980 Holden Kingswood (221 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1980 Holden Kingswood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Nova | 1980 Holden Kingswood | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | Nova | Kingswood |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2830 mm |
