1987 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1987 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 40 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Volkswagen Polo | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 770 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
