2011 Mazda 6 vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 30 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 449 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, 2011 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 6 | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | 6 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 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 | 1609 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1839 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2670 mm |
