1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1994 Holden Nova
To start off, 1994 Holden Nova is newer by 13 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 1,892 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Holden Nova (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 30 kg more than 1994 Holden Nova.
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, 1994 Holden Nova, 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, 1994 Holden Nova (155 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1994 Holden Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1994 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | Commodore | Nova |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 1761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2470 mm |
