1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 31 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 4,142 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 125 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW Z4 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 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Holden | BMW |
| Model | Commodore | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4142 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2497 mm |
