1990 Volvo 960 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1990 Volvo 960 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 960 (120 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 680 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volvo 960 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 Volvo 960. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Volvo 960 (143 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm). This means 1990 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volvo 960 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 960 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2383 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
