1997 Renault Espace vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1997 Renault Espace 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Espace (111 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Espace weights approximately 330 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, 1997 Renault Espace, 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, 1997 Renault Espace (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1997 Renault Espace has manual transmission. 1997 Renault Espace 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 Renault Espace | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Renault | Holden |
| Model | Espace | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
