U.S. vs Oz: 2016 Holden Commodore Faces Ford Mustang And Chrysler 300 SRT
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It’s hard to dethrone an icon. Even if something else comes out on top, an icon always has home field advantage. Not only does the 2016 Holden Commodore Series II have home ground advantage here, it’s a sports sedan with utmost pedigree with years of massaging.
However, Drive felt it more of an appropriate time than ever to pit the 2016 Commodore Series II SSV against two rivals. Rival number one is ready to carry the torch forward, the Ford Mustang GT, the first time the Mustang reaches Oz in factory form. Rival number two is more akin to the Commodore’s formula, the Chrysler 300 SRT.
Through thorough and careful consideration, the publication is forced to pick a winner here, even though each offer no losing proposition: a potent V8 and right rear-wheel drive.
The Mustang GT scores brownie points for its head turning style, though, the 5.0-liter is said to lack punch below 4,000 RPM. It’s in the powertrain department where the 300 SRT shines, though. The Hemi offers nothing to be desired when burying the accelerator, according to the testers.
But, it’s not all about moving in a straight line. And that’s where the 2016 Commodore Series II SSV takes the win. The suspension’s responsive and docile nature helps create a mesmerizing experience, taking the best of everything and wrapping it into one tidy package.
So, there you have it. Oz knows how to build a sport sedan. But, we already knew that, and we’re sure you did too.
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And if GM don’t pull their finger out the mustang will replace the commodore as the weapon of choice with au police highway patrol units, perps are currently transported in paddy vans when required, so no comfy seat for them.
Best sedan GM/Holden has ever produced , period . Nothing but rave comments in Chevy SS forums , but sadly GM made this a NASCAR entry with no solid comprehensive marketing plan for North America . Had they got behind this superb understated vehicle , Holden manufacturing in Oz might just have survived and also be introducing a superior hot performing product in a mid size CUV !!
There was no reason to kill Oz manufacturing given it’s small scale and the AU dollar’s favorable currency fluctuations vs the Sterling for right hand drive products.
Buick needs a RWD product for a flagship and this could be great for Holden. A four door Camaro to challenge Charger might work, too. If nothing else, give OZ a modified CTS at Commodore price.
The really sad thing is GM didn’t really push Holden’s capabilities into the US market as they didn’t want to upset the US unions.
We could have sent you the best 4 door V8 performance cars in the GM world. Our HSV Maloo would have respected and honoured your El Camino heretics. Our SS and our upspecced HSV CLUBSPORT and Senator are 4 door Corvettes for the Family man.
I’d put a Holden Caprice and HSV Grange up against any Cadillac ( or perhaps the new Buick) as an upmarket 4 door vehicle for the man who still loves a bit of real USA V8.
( just because you can afford Euro chic doesn’t mean you have to drive it)
Instead GM have killed off Holden ( yes it will die late 2017) and now you guys in the US are starting to see the first of the Chinese Buicks and Cadillacs coming into the US.
Our dollar is now back to 3/4 of the US but it is too late.
With the benefit of hindsight you guys in the US should have supported us and we could have worked with you.
Instead GM is walking away from Australia and Australia is going to walk away from GM.
Current stats show that without Commodore GM will struggle to make the top 10 Brands and will become an irrelevance.
Somebody in Detroit should have their head on the block for this.
Holden will live on in Australia but at car shows, clubs and cruises.
So sad…..
Stefan Jacoby we are looking at you……
I thought his name was Stefan Teflon
Can’t remember why.
Oh that’s it, shit doesn’t stick to him.