1988 Vauxhall Nova vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 Vauxhall Nova 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 Vauxhall Nova. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1988 Vauxhall Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 130 kg more than 1988 Vauxhall Nova. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Vauxhall Nova. (68 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Vauxhall Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Vauxhall Nova | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nova | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 991 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
