1986 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1986 Fiat Panda is newer by 5 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 26 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Panda. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Panda.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat Panda. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat Panda. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1986 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 1986 Fiat Panda 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:
| 1986 Fiat Panda | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1302 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2410 mm |
