1988 Peugeot 205 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 Peugeot 205 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Peugeot 205 (102 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 20 kg more than 1988 Peugeot 205.
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 Peugeot 205 (122 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Peugeot 205 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Peugeot 205 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 205 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
