1989 Pontiac Trans Sport vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport (118 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 340 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.
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 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Pontiac Trans Sport | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
Make | Pontiac | Holden |
Model | Trans Sport | Commodore |
Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1892 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 78 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1160 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |