1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima

To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima is newer by 24 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 395 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 2005 Nissan Maxima 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. 2005 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Holden Commodore 2005 Nissan Maxima
Make Holden Nissan
Model Commodore Maxima
Year Released 1981 2005
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1892 cc 3498 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 78 HP 261 HP
Engine RPM 4600 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 140 Nm 346 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 4400 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1160 kg 1555 kg
Vehicle Length 4710 mm 4920 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2670 mm 2830 mm