1990 Citroen BX vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1990 Citroen BX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Citroen BX (71 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Citroen BX should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Citroen BX weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1990 Citroen BX (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Citroen BX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1990 Citroen BX has manual transmission. 1990 Citroen BX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Citroen BX | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | BX | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
