1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 3,435 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (125 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 985 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 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 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 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. 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, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (247 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire has manual transmission. 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 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:
| 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sapphire | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3435 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2410 mm |
