1980 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 1984 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1984 Holden Commodore is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 3,296 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Holden Commodore (142 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Holden Commodore weights approximately 460 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.
Because 1984 Holden Commodore 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 1984 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1984 Holden Commodore (266 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1984 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | 1984 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Holden |
| Model | Rabbit | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1457 cc | 3296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
