1949 Allard J1 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Allard J1 (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Allard J1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Allard J1 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Allard J1 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 1949 Allard J1. 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, 1949 Allard J1 (306 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1949 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J1 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Allard | Volkswagen |
| Model | J1 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
