2011 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1986 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Holden Commodore (116 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 94 kg more than 1986 Holden Commodore.
Because 1986 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 1986 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Holden Commodore. (232 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Holden Commodore. 1986 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Golf | 1986 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Holden |
| Model | Golf | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4199 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2680 mm |
