1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1998 Saab 900i
To start off, 1998 Saab 900i is newer by 17 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Saab 900i is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Saab 900i (126 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Saab 900i should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 900i weights approximately 135 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, 1998 Saab 900i, 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, 1998 Saab 900i (170 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Saab 900i will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1998 Saab 900i | |
| Make | Holden | Saab |
| Model | Commodore | 900i |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
