1981 BMW 528 vs. 1997 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1997 Holden Commodore is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Holden Commodore (225 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Commodore weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. 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, 1997 Holden Commodore (395 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528. 1997 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1997 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | 528 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 4987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 395 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
