2008 Nissan Micra vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2008 Nissan Micra is newer by 30 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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Micra. (81 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 111 kg more than 2008 Nissan Micra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Nissan Micra, 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 Nissan Micra (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Micra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 1978 Holden Sunbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Micra has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Micra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Holden Sunbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Micra | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Nissan | Holden |
| Model | Micra | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1461 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1049 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2590 mm |
