1981 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 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 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 24 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rabbit | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1455 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
