1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 29 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (541 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 463 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 661 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, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 551 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Holden | Ford |
| Model | Commodore | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 541 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
