1983 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 2 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, 1983 Alfa Romeo 33 (78 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Alfa Romeo 33 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Alfa Romeo 33 weights approximately 65 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo 33. (113 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 33 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1350 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
