1983 Honda Civic vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Honda Civic (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 85 kg more than 1983 Honda Civic.
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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Civic. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Honda Civic | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
