1981 Plymouth Trail Duster vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 810 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 Plymouth Trail Duster (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trail Duster | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
