1965 Austin A 90 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin A 90 (120 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin A 90 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin A 90 weights approximately 760 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 1965 Austin A 90 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 1965 Austin A 90. 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, 1965 Austin A 90 (221 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Austin A 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1965 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1965 Austin A 90 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:
| 1965 Austin A 90 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 90 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
