2006 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 25 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 4,142 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 125 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 318 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:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | 318 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4142 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
