1988 Honda Shuttle vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 Honda Shuttle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,713 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Shuttle (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Shuttle should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Shuttle weights approximately 95 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Shuttle. (112 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Shuttle. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Shuttle has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Shuttle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Shuttle | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shuttle | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
