1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1997 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Commodore (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (71 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore.
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 Toyota Corolla, 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 (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Toyota | Holden |
| Model | Corolla | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2670 mm |
