1983 BMW 628 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 BMW 628 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 628 weights approximately 675 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 628 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 1983 BMW 628. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1983 BMW 628 (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 628 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 628 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
