1981 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 15 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (150 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 380 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Rabbit | 146 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
