2002 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 24 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 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 70 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Prizm | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Holden |
| Model | Prizm | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2590 mm |
