1980 Holden Commodore vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Holden Commodore (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Holden Commodore weights approximately 340 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Holden Commodore 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 1980 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Holden Commodore (352 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (146 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Holden Commodore | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
