2012 Volvo C30 vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2012 Volvo C30 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1988 Holden Commodore. (153 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1988 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo C30 weights approximately 236 kg more than 1988 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo C30, 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 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Holden Commodore. (247 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Holden Commodore. 1988 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2012 Volvo C30 has manual transmission. 2012 Volvo C30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volvo C30 | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Volvo | Holden |
| Model | C30 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3600 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 | 1451 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4252 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1783 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1448 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2670 mm |
