1997 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 16 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 4,142 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 108 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour 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:
1997 Ford Contour | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
Make | Ford | Holden |
Model | Contour | Commodore |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1987 cc | 4142 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |