1995 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1995 Ford Escort is newer by 14 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 1,892 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Escort (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Escort weights approximately 70 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, 1995 Ford Escort, 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, 1995 Ford Escort (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1995 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1995 Ford Escort 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:
| 1995 Ford Escort | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Escort | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
