1977 BMW 528 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 BMW 528 is newer by 1 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 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 528 (178 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 528 weights approximately 611 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.
Because 1977 BMW 528 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 1977 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1977 BMW 528 (234 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 528 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 528 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
