1980 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 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 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban (352 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1980 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 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban. 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 Chevrolet Suburban (517 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 413 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | 2012 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Rabbit | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1457 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 352 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 517 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 2790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 5649 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1951 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3302 mm |
