2009 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 4,142 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (134 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 70 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
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, 2009 Ford Focus, 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, 2009 Ford Focus (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Focus | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 4142 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2670 mm |
