1992 BMW 320 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1992 BMW 320 is newer by 12 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 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 320 weights approximately 510 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 1992 BMW 320 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 1992 BMW 320. 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, 1992 BMW 320 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 320 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
