1987 Austin Maestro vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1987 Austin Maestro is newer by 6 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1987 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1987 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Austin Maestro weights approximately 70 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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 (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Austin Maestro. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1987 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1987 Austin Maestro 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:
| 1987 Austin Maestro | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maestro | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
