1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 27 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 2,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 134 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, 2008 Honda Civic, 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Holden | Honda |
| Model | Commodore | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2837 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
