1985 Ford Taurus vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1985 Ford Taurus 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Taurus (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Taurus weights approximately 575 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.
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, 1985 Ford Taurus (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Taurus | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
