1993 Honda NSX vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1993 Honda NSX is newer by 13 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Honda NSX weights approximately 500 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 1993 Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX. 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, 1993 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1993 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1993 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Honda NSX | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |
