1968 Chevrolet Chevelle vs. 1981 Holden Statesman
To start off, 1981 Holden Statesman is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 5,041 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Statesman (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. (140 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Statesman weights approximately 219 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. 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 Statesman (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. (298 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. 1981 Holden Statesman has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle | 1981 Holden Statesman | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Holden |
| Model | Chevelle | Statesman |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3768 cc | 5041 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2900 mm |
