1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1992 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 is newer by 11 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 325 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, 1992 Oldsmobile 88, 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, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1992 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 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. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1992 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Holden | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Commodore | 88 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2837 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2820 mm |
