1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2009 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 2,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1488 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 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2009 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Holden | Land Rover |
| Model | Commodore | Defender |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2837 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2370 mm |
