1991 Holden Commodore vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1991 Holden Commodore is newer by 11 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Holden Commodore (172 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Holden Commodore weights approximately 585 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 1991 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. 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, 1991 Holden Commodore (288 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Holden Commodore | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
