1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express 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 6,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (260 HP @ 3100 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1601 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 Chevrolet Express (711 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 571 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 2012 Chevrolet Express 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. 2012 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Holden | Chevrolet |
| Model | Commodore | Express |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 6600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 711 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2761 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3429 mm |
