2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 33 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (173 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 405 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.
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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (325 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (322 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Lucerne | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 4143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2590 mm |
