1981 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,713 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 35 kg more than 1981 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, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rabbit | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1455 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
