2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 26 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 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (198 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 489 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 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:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Holden |
| Model | 159 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
