2009 Ford Escape vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 31 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 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (172 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 138 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
Because 2009 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Holden Sunbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape 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, 2009 Ford Escape (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 2009 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 1978 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1978 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Escape | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1022 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
