2003 Holden Cruze vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2003 Holden Cruze is newer by 27 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 4,143 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2003 Holden Cruze. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 227 kg more than 2003 Holden Cruze. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Holden Cruze is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Holden Sunbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Holden Cruze will offer significantly more control. 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (325 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Cruze. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Cruze | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | Cruze | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 4143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2590 mm |
