1990 Holden Commodore vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1990 Holden Commodore. (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 126 kg more than 1990 Holden Commodore. 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, 2012 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, 1990 Holden Commodore (292 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1990 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Holden Commodore | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2712 mm |
