1966 Morris Minor vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1966 Morris Minor. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1966 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 45 kg more than 1966 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Morris Minor 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 1966 Morris Minor. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Morris Minor. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Morris Minor | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Morris | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minor | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2410 mm |
