1956 Holden FE vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1981 Holden Commodore is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Holden FE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Holden FE would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Commodore (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1956 Holden FE. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1956 Holden FE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 286 kg more than 1956 Holden FE. 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Holden FE. (151 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Holden FE. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1956 Holden FE has manual transmission. 1956 Holden FE will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Holden FE | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | FE | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2166 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
