1980 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 29 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 820 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 2009 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2009 Volvo S40 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. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Rabbit | S40 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1457 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
