1981 Ford Laser vs. 1984 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1984 Holden Commodore is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Laser would be higher. At 3,296 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Holden Commodore (142 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Holden Commodore weights approximately 478 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser, 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, 1984 Holden Commodore (266 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Laser | 1984 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Laser | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 3296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2680 mm |
