1981 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 473 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rabbit | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
