1986 Ford Taurus vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1986 Ford Taurus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Taurus (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Taurus weights approximately 559 kg more than 1983 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, 1986 Ford Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Taurus | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 845 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 |
