2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express is newer by 28 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (279 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 32 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Express.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (399 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 2009 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1981 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1981 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Holden |
| Model | Express | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 279 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2670 mm |
