Australia vs Australia — 1988 vs 1997
| Commodore VN SS | Commodore VT HSV GTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 224 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 291 lb-ft | 339 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,987 cc | 5,665 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 146 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.8 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,351 lbs | 3,660 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,735 mm | 2,789 mm |
| Length | 4,850 mm | 4,912 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $70,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 6/10 |
Numbers favor the 1997 Holden Commodore VT HSV GTS with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1988 Holden Commodore VN SS offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Holden Commodore VN. The 1988 and 1997 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1997 Holden Commodore VT HSV GTS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 224 hp, a 76-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Holden Commodore VN uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 4,987 cc, while the Holden Commodore VT relies on a V8 OHV LS1 with 5,665 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1997 Holden Commodore VT HSV GTS edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.8 seconds. The Holden Commodore VN carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 309 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.