1984 Ford Sierra vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Ford Sierra 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Sierra (75 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Sierra weights approximately 195 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.
Because 1984 Ford Sierra 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 1984 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1984 Ford Sierra (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
