2008 Buick Lucerne vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2008 Buick Lucerne is newer by 27 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, 2008 Buick Lucerne (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 267 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, 2008 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2008 Buick Lucerne (309 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Buick Lucerne | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Lucerne | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4142 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 309 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2670 mm |
