1979 Honda Prelude vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,750 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Prelude (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Honda Prelude weights approximately 80 kg more than 1980 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, 1979 Honda Prelude (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1979 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1979 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
