1990 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 475 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.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Passat | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
