1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 561 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1997 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1997 Lotus Elise 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 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Commodore | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
