1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (377 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 485 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (392 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Commodore | CLS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4142 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 377 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
