1991 BMW 730 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1991 BMW 730 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 730 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 BMW 730 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 1991 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1991 BMW 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 730 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
