1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage 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 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 498 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 2009 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Holden Commodore. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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 Kia Sportage (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Sportage 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 | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Commodore | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2640 mm |
