1989 BMW 850 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 BMW 850 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 1989 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
