1987 Porsche 959 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1987 Porsche 959 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Porsche 959 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1987 Porsche 959 has manual transmission. 1987 Porsche 959 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Porsche 959 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 959 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
