2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1986 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1986 Holden Commodore. (116 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1986 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 180 kg more than 1986 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Holden Commodore. (232 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Holden Commodore. 1986 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 1986 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Holden |
| Model | Jetta | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2680 mm |
