1972 Holden Monaro vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Holden Monaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Holden Monaro would be higher. At 2,834 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Holden Monaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Holden Monaro (116 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Holden Monaro should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Holden Monaro weights approximately 470 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Holden Monaro 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 1972 Holden Monaro. 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, 1972 Holden Monaro (228 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Holden Monaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Holden Monaro | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Monaro | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2834 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
