1980 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 2011 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2011 Smart ForTwo is newer by 31 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Smart ForTwo (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 50 kg more than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2011 Smart ForTwo 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 2011 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
Make | Volkswagen | Smart |
Model | Rabbit | ForTwo |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 96 Nm | 92 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 2695 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1542 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1867 mm |