1985 Porsche 944 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1985 Porsche 944 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Porsche 944 (221 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Porsche 944 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Porsche 944 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 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 Porsche 944 (330 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Porsche 944 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 944 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
