1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1986 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna (111 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna, 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, 1986 Mitsubishi Magna (195 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Mitsubishi Magna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1986 Mitsubishi Magna has automatic transmission and 1981 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1981 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mitsubishi Magna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1986 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Holden | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Commodore | Magna |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2600 mm |
