1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 20 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 240 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.
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, 2001 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 2001 BMW Z3 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. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Holden | BMW |
| Model | Commodore | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2450 mm |
