1983 Austin Ambassador vs. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Ambassador (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 360 kg more than 1984 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, 1983 Austin Ambassador (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Austin Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1983 Austin Ambassador has manual transmission. 1983 Austin Ambassador will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Ambassador | 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
