1999 Ford Mondeo vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1999 Ford Mondeo is newer by 18 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Mondeo (128 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 115 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, 1999 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1999 Ford Mondeo (181 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Mondeo | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Mondeo | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
