1984 Holden Commodore vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 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 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1984 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 372 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.
Because 1984 Holden Commodore is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Holden Commodore. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Holden Commodore | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
