1976 Buick Estate vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Estate weights approximately 1074 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 1976 Buick Estate 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 1976 Buick Estate. 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, 1976 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Estate | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1884 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
