1989 Holden Apollo vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1989 Holden Apollo 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 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Holden Apollo (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Holden Apollo should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 61 kg more than 1989 Holden Apollo.
Because 1981 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 1981 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Holden Apollo, 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Holden Apollo. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Holden Apollo. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1989 Holden Apollo has manual transmission. 1989 Holden Apollo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Holden Apollo | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Holden | Holden |
| Model | Apollo | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2670 mm |
