1976 Dodge Aspen 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 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Dodge Aspen (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Dodge Aspen should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 655 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 Dodge Aspen 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 Dodge Aspen. 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 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Dodge Aspen | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aspen | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
