2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 32 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (101 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 1976 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 1976 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus, 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Taurus | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2590 mm |
