1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 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, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 241 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Holden | Mazda |
Model | Commodore | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3298 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 111 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 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 | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2270 mm |