1992 BMW 740 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1992 BMW 740 is newer by 11 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 740 weights approximately 985 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 1992 BMW 740 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 740. 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, 1992 BMW 740 (401 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 740 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 740 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
