1948 Citroen 2CV vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (9 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1948 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 163 kg more than 1948 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (23 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Citroen 2CV | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2CV | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 9 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 682 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2410 mm |
