1988 BMW M3 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
