1980 Holden Commodore vs. 1999 Kia Elan
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 19 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 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Elan (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Holden Commodore weights approximately 152 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan.
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, 1999 Kia Elan, 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 (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Holden Commodore | 1999 Kia Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Commodore | Elan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
