1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 15 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 2,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 (139 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145.
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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Holden |
| Model | 145 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
