1971 Chrysler Newport vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chrysler Newport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chrysler Newport would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chrysler Newport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chrysler Newport (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chrysler Newport should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chrysler Newport weights approximately 1070 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 1971 Chrysler Newport 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 1971 Chrysler Newport. 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, 1971 Chrysler Newport (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Chrysler Newport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chrysler Newport | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Newport | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1915 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2410 mm |
