1991 Porsche 965 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1991 Porsche 965 is newer by 10 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 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Porsche 965 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Porsche 965 (317 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Porsche 965 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Porsche 965 weights approximately 655 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 1991 Porsche 965 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 Porsche 965. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Porsche 965 (459 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Porsche 965 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1991 Porsche 965 has manual transmission. 1991 Porsche 965 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:
| 1991 Porsche 965 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 965 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
