1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3.3 (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 BMW 3.3 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 1973 BMW 3.3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1973 BMW 3.3 (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1973 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3.3 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
