1971 Toyota Corolla vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Toyota Corolla (62 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 90 kg more than 1971 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1971 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Toyota Corolla. (95 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Toyota Corolla | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
