1998 Honda NSX vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 17 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 244 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda NSX 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:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Honda | Holden |
| Model | NSX | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
