1999 Buick LeSabre vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1999 Buick LeSabre is newer by 21 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), 1999 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 457 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Buick LeSabre, 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 Buick LeSabre (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 1999 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1978 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1978 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick LeSabre | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | LeSabre | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2590 mm |
