1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 14 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 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 80 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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1995 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | Commodore | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
