1980 Fiat 127 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 140 kg more than 1980 Fiat 127. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 127 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 127 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 901 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
