1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (494 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 730 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 508 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Commodore | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2837 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3090 mm |
