Australia vs Australia — 1978 vs 1988
| Commodore VL Turbo | Commodore VN SS | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 204 hp | 224 hp |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 291 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,960 cc | 4,987 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.0 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 143 mph | 146 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.1 sec | 14.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,866 lbs | 3,351 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,668 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Length | 4,712 mm | 4,850 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1978 Holden Commodore VL Turbo brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1988 Holden Commodore VN SS answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Holden Commodore VL. The 1978 and 1988 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1988 Holden Commodore VN SS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 224 hp compared to 204 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Holden Commodore VL uses a Inline-6 Turbo SOHC 12V displacing 2,960 cc, while the Holden Commodore VN relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 4,987 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1988 Holden Commodore VN SS edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 7.0 seconds. The Holden Commodore VL carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 485 lbs lighter. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1978 Holden Commodore VL Turbo rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.