1985 BMW 324 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1985 BMW 324 is newer by 5 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW 324 (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 BMW 324 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 1985 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1985 BMW 324 (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW 324 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW 324 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1985 BMW 324 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 324 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 51 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |