1981 Buick Century vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Century weights approximately 585 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Buick Century 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 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Century | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
