2003 Ford Falcon vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2003 Ford Falcon is newer by 25 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 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Falcon (220 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Falcon weights approximately 355 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, 2003 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Falcon | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Falcon | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2590 mm |
