1984 Austin Ambassador vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Austin Ambassador is newer by 3 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 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Austin Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Austin Ambassador (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Austin Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 395 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, 1984 Austin Ambassador (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Austin Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1984 Austin Ambassador has manual transmission. 1984 Austin Ambassador will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Ambassador | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 810 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 |
