2009 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 254 kg more than 2009 Ford Mustang.
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 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1981 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Mustang 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:
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Mustang | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
