1981 BMW 528 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 BMW 528 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 528 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 528 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 181 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 795 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |