1988 Audi 80 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 Audi 80 is newer by 7 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Audi 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Audi 80 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Audi 80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Audi 80 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 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, 1988 Audi 80 (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Audi 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Audi 80 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | 80 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
