1978 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Accord (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Honda Accord weights approximately 120 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 Honda Accord (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
