1982 Porsche 944 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Porsche 944 (151 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Porsche 944 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Porsche 944 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1982 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1982 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1982 Porsche 944 has manual transmission. 1982 Porsche 944 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Porsche 944 | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 944 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
