1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 28 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), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 175 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 2009 BMW Z4 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. 2009 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Holden | BMW |
| Model | Commodore | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2837 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2500 mm |
