1986 Holden Commodore vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Holden Commodore (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 145 kg more than 1986 Holden Commodore.
Because 1986 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 1986 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1986 Holden Commodore (296 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1986 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1986 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Holden Commodore | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2537 mm |
