1970 Mercury Marauder vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 6,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Marauder (171 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 1185 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 1970 Mercury Marauder 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 1970 Mercury Marauder. 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, 1970 Mercury Marauder (383 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Marauder | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Marauder | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6392 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5640 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2410 mm |
