1978 Audi 100 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Audi 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Audi 100 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Audi 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Audi 100 (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Audi 100 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Audi 100 weights approximately 300 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.
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, 1978 Audi 100 (124 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Audi 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Audi 100 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | 100 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
