1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1996 Buick Park Avenue 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 474 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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue, 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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Park Avenue | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3798 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2670 mm |
