1981 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 1 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 144 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
