1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 990 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 Mercedes-Benz S (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 559 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Commodore | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3165 mm |
