2000 Volvo S40 vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2000 Volvo S40 is newer by 19 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 2,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volvo S40 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volvo S40 weights approximately 155 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, 2000 Volvo S40, 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, 2000 Volvo S40 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2000 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2000 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2000 Volvo S40 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:
| 2000 Volvo S40 | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Volvo | Holden |
| Model | S40 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1946 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2670 mm |
