1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 66 kg more than 1963 Abarth 1600.
Because 1963 Abarth 1600 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 1963 Abarth 1600. 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, 1963 Abarth 1600 (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1963 Abarth 1600 has manual transmission. 1963 Abarth 1600 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:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2410 mm |
