1980 Holden Commodore vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 9 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 4,142 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Holden Commodore (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Holden Commodore weights approximately 586 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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 (269 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. 1980 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1989 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Holden Commodore | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4142 cc | 1041 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 269 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2340 mm |
