1990 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 7 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 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 355 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.
Because 1990 BMW M3 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 1990 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 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:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
