1958 Austin A135 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Austin A135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin A135 (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin A135 should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A135 weights approximately 1235 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Austin A135 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 1958 Austin A135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1958 Austin A135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Austin A135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A135 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A135 | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A135 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2410 mm |
