2012 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2012 Honda Accord is newer by 31 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Accord (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Accord weights approximately 309 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, 2012 Honda Accord, 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, 2012 Honda Accord (219 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Honda Accord | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Honda | Holden |
| Model | Accord | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1469 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4851 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1433 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2741 mm | 2670 mm |
