1958 Rover P4 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,636 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Rover P4 (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 555 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 1958 Rover P4 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 Rover P4. 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, 1958 Rover P4 (188 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1958 Rover P4 has manual transmission. 1958 Rover P4 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:
1958 Rover P4 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
Model | P4 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2636 cc | 1715 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 188 Nm | 122 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |