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 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 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 19 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, 2009 Kia Sportage, 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 (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage. 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 | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1285 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 |
