1969 BMW 1600 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 BMW 1600 (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 BMW 1600 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 BMW 1600 weights approximately 186 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 BMW 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 1969 BMW 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1969 BMW 1600 (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 BMW 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 BMW 1600 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
