1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 23 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (102 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (101 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (261 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird. 1976 Holden Sunbird has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 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:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Holden |
| Model | 146 | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2590 mm |
