1959 Land Rover 109 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Land Rover 109. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Land Rover 109 would be higher. At 2,286 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Land Rover 109 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Land Rover 109. (67 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1959 Land Rover 109. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Land Rover 109 weights approximately 855 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1959 Land Rover 109 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Land Rover 109 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1959 Land Rover 109 (157 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Land Rover 109 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Land Rover 109 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 109 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2286 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2070 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
