1991 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 10 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 592 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.
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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (373 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
1991 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
Make | Ford | Holden |
Model | Thunderbird | Commodore |
Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1892 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 78 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 373 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1160 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2670 mm |