1976 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 325 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rabbit | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
