2012 Land Rover Defender vs. 1980 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1448 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Holden Commodore. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 1980 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2012 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Land Rover Defender | 1980 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Land Rover | Holden |
| Model | Defender | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2670 mm |
