1971 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Toyota Corona (98 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Toyota Corona weights approximately 150 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 Toyota Corona 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 Corona. 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 Toyota Corona (149 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Toyota Corona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Toyota Corona | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corona | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
