1985 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1985 Opel Kadett is newer by 4 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 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 36 kg more than 1985 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Opel Kadett 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 Opel Kadett. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Kadett. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1985 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1985 Opel Kadett 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:
| 1985 Opel Kadett | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kadett | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 774 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
