1993 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1993 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW M3 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 BMW M3 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 1993 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1993 BMW M3 (321 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1993 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1993 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW M3 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
