1990 Holden Commodore vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Holden Commodore (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Holden Commodore weights approximately 63 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Holden Commodore. (292 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Holden Commodore. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1990 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1990 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Holden Commodore | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2720 mm |
