1974 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Impala (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 870 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 1974 Chevrolet Impala 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 1974 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 1974 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1974 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1974 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Chevrolet Impala | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
Model | Impala | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1715 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 122 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2410 mm |