1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2009 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Saturn Aura 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 Saturn Aura (167 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Aura weights approximately 109 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 Saturn Aura, 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 (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Aura. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Aura. 2009 Saturn Aura 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 Saturn Aura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2009 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Holden | Saturn |
| Model | Commodore | Aura |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2837 cc | 2382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2860 mm |
