1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA 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 2,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 38 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
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, 1981 Holden Commodore (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Commodore | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2837 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2330 mm |
