1978 BMW M1 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 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 490 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 1978 BMW M1 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 1978 BMW M1. 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M1 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
