1982 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 1 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 115 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Volkswagen Polo | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
