1989 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 8 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 620 kg more than 1981 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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Holden |
| Model | Caprice | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
