1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 32 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 575 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Holden Commodore | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | Holden | BMW |
Model | Commodore | 3 Series |
Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1892 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 78 HP | 227 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1735 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1961 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1395 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |