1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1989 Volvo 460
To start off, 1989 Volvo 460 is newer by 8 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 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 460 (118 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 460 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 210 kg more than 1989 Volvo 460.
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, 1989 Volvo 460, 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 460. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 460. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 460 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 460 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1989 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Holden | Volvo |
| Model | Commodore | 460 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
