2001 Ford Falcon vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2001 Ford Falcon is newer by 20 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Falcon (220 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Falcon weights approximately 355 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, 2001 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Falcon | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Falcon | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3983 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
