1989 Ford Sierra vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1989 Ford Sierra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Sierra (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Sierra weights approximately 170 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Ford Sierra 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 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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 Ford Sierra (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Sierra | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
