1981 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 27 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), 2008 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 493 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, 2008 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2008 Seat Leon has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Seat Leon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Seat |
| Model | Rabbit | Leon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| 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 | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
