1984 Holden Commodore vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 1984 Holden Commodore. (142 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1984 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 685 kg more than 1984 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Holden Commodore. (266 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Holden Commodore. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1984 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1984 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Holden Commodore | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Commodore | SL |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3296 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |
