1947 Austin 16 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1947 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1947 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1947 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1947 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1947 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1947 Austin 16 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1947 Austin 16 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 1947 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1947 Austin 16 (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1947 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1947 Austin 16 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 16 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1947 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
