Holden Calais: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Holden Calais choice in this catalogue comes down to six Sedan specifications across two generations. The 2 generation, produced from 1988 to 1997, offers 3.8 AT and 5.0 AT versions. The 3 generation, produced from 1997 to 2006, expands the selection to two distinct 3.8 AT versions—207 hp and 233 hp—plus 5.0 AT and 5.7 AT.
The Holden Calais choice in this catalogue comes down to six Sedan specifications across two generations. The 2 generation, produced from 1988 to 1997, offers 3.8 AT and 5.0 AT versions. The 3 generation, produced from 1997 to 2006, expands the selection to two distinct 3.8 AT versions—207 hp and 233 hp—plus 5.0 AT and 5.7 AT. Every version uses Gasoline, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, RWD, a front longitudinal engine, and distributed injection (multi-point). The practical buying decision is therefore about engine output, boost, performance, kerb weight, ground clearance, and tank capacity rather than transmission or drivetrain.
Holden Calais generations: what changed?
The 2 generation covers 1988–1997 and contains two Sedan versions. Its 3.8 AT produces 175 hp and 295 Nm, while its 5.0 AT produces 224 hp and 385 Nm. Both have naturally aspirated V-shaped engines, 2 valves per cylinder, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, and RWD. Both also have a 63-litre tank and 144 mm of ground clearance. The 3.8 AT has a kerb weight of 1,454 kg; the 5.0 AT weighs 1,540 kg.
The 3 generation covers 1997–2006 and contains four Sedan versions. The range starts with a naturally aspirated 3.8 AT rated at 207 hp and 305 Nm. A second 3.8 AT adds a Compressor and raises output to 233 hp and 375 Nm. The naturally aspirated 5.0 AT develops 243 hp and 400 Nm, while the naturally aspirated 5.7 AT reaches 306 hp and 460 Nm. Every version has a 75-litre tank and 150 mm of ground clearance.
Compared with the 2 generation, the 3 generation therefore gains 12 litres of tank capacity and 6 mm of ground clearance. The generations overlap in 1997 according to the supplied production dates, so buyers should identify a car by its generation and specification rather than by year alone.
Holden Calais engine and specs comparison
| Generation | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 generation | 3.8 AT | 175 hp | 295 Nm | 3,791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2 generation | 5.0 AT | 224 hp | 385 Nm | 4,987 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation | 3.8 AT (207 hp) | 207 hp | 305 Nm | 3,791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation | 3.8 AT (233 hp) | 233 hp | 375 Nm | 3,791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Compressor | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation | 5.0 AT | 243 hp | 400 Nm | 4,981 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation | 5.7 AT | 306 hp | 460 Nm | 5,665 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
Among the V6 choices, the 2 generation 3.8 AT makes about 46.2 hp per litre. The naturally aspirated 3 generation 3.8 AT raises that to about 54.6 hp per litre, while the 233 hp Compressor version reaches about 61.5 hp per litre. For the V8 versions, the 2 generation 5.0 AT produces about 44.9 hp per litre, the 3 generation 5.0 AT produces about 48.8 hp per litre, and the 5.7 AT produces about 54.0 hp per litre.
The 233 hp 3.8 AT is the output-focused V6: compared with the naturally aspirated 207 hp 3.8 AT from the same generation, it provides 26 hp and 70 Nm more without increasing the 3,791 cc displacement. Its kerb weight rises by 35 kg, from 1,620 to 1,655 kg.
For a naturally aspirated V8, the 3 generation 5.0 AT offers 243 hp and 400 Nm. It has 10 hp and 25 Nm more than the supercharged 3.8 AT while weighing 25 kg less. The 5.7 AT then adds another 63 hp and 60 Nm over that 5.0 AT, although its kerb weight is 40 kg higher.
Holden Calais performance, acceleration, and economy
Only three versions have measured acceleration or top-speed figures in the supplied data.
| Generation | Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 generation | 3.8 AT | 9.5 seconds | 207 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation | 5.0 AT | 8 seconds | 200 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3 generation | 3.8 AT (207 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3 generation | 3.8 AT (233 hp) | 7.9 seconds | 226 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3 generation | 5.0 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3 generation | 5.7 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The measured figures make the 233 hp 3.8 AT the clearest performance choice supported by complete data: it reaches 100 km/h 1.6 seconds sooner than the 2 generation 3.8 AT and has a top speed 19 km/h higher. Compared with the 2 generation 5.0 AT, it is 0.1 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and has a top speed 26 km/h higher.
The 2 generation 5.0 AT reaches 100 km/h 1.5 seconds sooner than its contemporary 3.8 AT, despite its recorded top speed being 7 km/h lower. Acceleration and maximum speed describe different aspects of performance, so the supplied measurements should not be treated as interchangeable.
Fuel consumption is not measured for any version. CO₂ output and ecological class are also not measured, so the data cannot support a claim that one Holden Calais engine is more economical or cleaner than another. All six versions specify 95 fuel.
Holden Calais dimensions, weight, and tank capacity
Overall length, width, and wheel sizes are not measured for any version in this dataset. Gross weight is also not measured. The available comparison is limited to kerb weight, ground clearance, and fuel-tank capacity.
| Generation | Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 generation | 3.8 AT | 1,454 kg | not measured | 144 mm | 63 litres | not measured |
| 2 generation | 5.0 AT | 1,540 kg | not measured | 144 mm | 63 litres | not measured |
| 3 generation | 3.8 AT (207 hp) | 1,620 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 75 litres | not measured |
| 3 generation | 3.8 AT (233 hp) | 1,655 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 75 litres | not measured |
| 3 generation | 5.0 AT | 1,630 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 75 litres | not measured |
| 3 generation | 5.7 AT | 1,670 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 75 litres | not measured |
The lightest option is the 2 generation 3.8 AT at 1,454 kg. Its weight-to-power figure is about 8.31 kg per hp. The 2 generation 5.0 AT improves that ratio to about 6.88 kg per hp.
Within the 3 generation, the 207 hp 3.8 AT carries about 7.83 kg per hp, the 233 hp 3.8 AT about 7.10 kg per hp, and the 243 hp 5.0 AT about 6.71 kg per hp. The 306 hp 5.7 AT has the strongest ratio at about 5.46 kg per hp. On power and kerb weight alone, it offers the greatest output for each kilogram.
All versions use independent spring suspension at the front and rear. Each also has ventilated disc front brakes and disc rear brakes, so these items do not separate one specification from another.
Which Holden Calais version should you buy?
Choose the 2 generation 3.8 AT if the lowest kerb weight is the priority. At 1,454 kg, it is 86 kg lighter than the contemporary 5.0 AT and at least 166 kg lighter than any 3 generation version. The trade-off is the lowest output in the catalogue: 175 hp and 295 Nm. Its measured 0–100 km/h time is 9.5 seconds.
Choose the 2 generation 5.0 AT if you want the stronger of the two earlier-generation engines. Compared with the 2 generation 3.8 AT, it adds 49 hp and 90 Nm while adding 86 kg. Its measured acceleration improves from 9.5 to 8 seconds, although its measured top speed is 200 km/h rather than 207 km/h.
Choose the 3 generation 3.8 AT (207 hp) for a naturally aspirated V6 paired with the later generation’s 75-litre tank and 150 mm clearance. Compared with the 2 generation 3.8 AT, the same 3,791 cc displacement produces 32 hp and 10 Nm more, but kerb weight rises by 166 kg. Acceleration and top speed are not measured.
Choose the 3 generation 3.8 AT (233 hp) when verified acceleration and top-speed data matter most. Its Compressor-assisted 3,791 cc engine produces 233 hp and 375 Nm, and it is the only 3 generation version with both figures measured: 7.9 seconds to 100 km/h and 226 km/h. It also delivers 10 hp less than the 5.0 AT but weighs 25 kg more, making the naturally aspirated V8 worth considering if peak output and weight-to-power ratio matter more than measured performance evidence.
Choose the 3 generation 5.0 AT for the middle ground among the later engines. It combines 243 hp and 400 Nm with a 1,630 kg kerb weight, giving it a better weight-to-power ratio than either 3.8 AT from the same generation. It is also 40 kg lighter than the 5.7 AT. Its acceleration and top speed are not measured.
Choose the 3 generation 5.7 AT for maximum Holden Calais horsepower and torque in this catalogue. It produces 306 hp and 460 Nm—63 hp and 60 Nm more than the 3 generation 5.0 AT—and has the best calculated weight-to-power ratio. Its kerb weight of 1,670 kg is the highest here, while acceleration, top speed, and fuel consumption are not measured.
There are no supplied prices, sale listings, reliability records, engine-oil specifications, or transmission-problem data. Consequently, the value of the extra output cannot be expressed in purchase cost or running expenses. On the available numbers, the 3.8 AT (233 hp) is the evidence-backed acceleration choice, the 3 generation 5.0 AT is the balanced naturally aspirated option, and the 5.7 AT is the choice for maximum power, torque, and power relative to kerb weight.