1992 Jeep Cherokee vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1992 Jeep Cherokee 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 3,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Jeep Cherokee (181 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Jeep Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 715 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 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Jeep Cherokee will offer significantly more control. 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 Jeep Cherokee (301 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1992 Jeep Cherokee has manual transmission. 1992 Jeep Cherokee 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:
| 1992 Jeep Cherokee | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cherokee | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3960 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
