2009 Nissan Maxima vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 305 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Opel 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 1980 Opel Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima, 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 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore. 2009 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 1980 Opel Commodore has manual transmission. 1980 Opel Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Maxima | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Maxima | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
