1990 Fiat Tempra vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1990 Fiat Tempra 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 72 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Fiat Tempra weights approximately 187 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Fiat Tempra. (109 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Fiat Tempra. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1990 Fiat Tempra has manual transmission. 1990 Fiat Tempra 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 Fiat Tempra | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tempra | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1372 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
