1972 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1981 Holden Commodore is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Impala (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 495 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore. 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, 1972 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Impala 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:
| 1972 Chevrolet Impala | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Holden |
| Model | Impala | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2670 mm |
