1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal 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 Buick Regal (220 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 315 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, 2012 Buick Regal, 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, 2012 Buick Regal (352 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Holden | Buick |
| Model | Commodore | Regal |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4142 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2738 mm |
