2003 Holden Statesman vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2003 Holden Statesman 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, 2003 Holden Statesman (229 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (173 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Holden Statesman weights approximately 513 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.
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 Holden Statesman (375 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (325 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Statesman | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | Statesman | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2590 mm |
