1984 Holden Commodore vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 5,040 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Holden Commodore (169 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Holden Commodore weights approximately 90 kg more than 1986 Volvo 242. 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, 1984 Holden Commodore (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1984 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Holden Commodore | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Holden | Volvo |
| Model | Commodore | 242 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5040 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2660 mm |
