1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2006 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 25 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 2,259 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 6 weights approximately 305 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, 2006 Mazda 6, 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, 2006 Mazda 6 (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 2006 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Commodore | 6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 2259 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
