1986 Holden Commodore vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1986 Holden Commodore is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Holden Commodore (164 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Holden Commodore weights approximately 490 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Holden Commodore 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 1986 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1986 Holden Commodore (324 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1986 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Holden Commodore | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4987 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
