1980 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 32 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 1055 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 2012 BMW 640 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 2012 BMW 640. 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 526 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2012 BMW 640 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. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Rabbit | 640 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1457 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 5007 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2968 mm |
