1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 7 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 75 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | Commodore | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
