1953 Hudson Super Wasp vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Hudson Super Wasp. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Hudson Super Wasp would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Hudson Super Wasp is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Hudson Super Wasp (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Hudson Super Wasp should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Hudson Super Wasp weights approximately 754 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 1953 Hudson Super Wasp 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 1953 Hudson Super Wasp. 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, 1953 Hudson Super Wasp (349 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1953 Hudson Super Wasp will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Hudson Super Wasp | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Hudson | Volkswagen |
| Model | Super Wasp | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1599 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
