1990 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 9 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 4,142 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Commodore (134 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 270 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 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:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | 316 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4142 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
