1961 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 3,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Aston Martin DB4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 (310 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Aston Martin DB4 weights approximately 385 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 1961 Aston Martin DB4 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 1961 Aston Martin DB4. 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, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 (376 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Aston Martin DB4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1961 Aston Martin DB4 has manual transmission. 1961 Aston Martin DB4 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:
| 1961 Aston Martin DB4 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB4 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3670 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
