1980 Holden Commodore vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 31 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 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 530 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1980 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, 2011 BMW 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 2011 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1980 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1980 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Holden Commodore | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Holden | BMW |
| Model | Commodore | 530 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2968 mm |
