1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 135 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 1954 Austin-Healey 100 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 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 100 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
