1994 Land Rover Defender vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1994 Land Rover Defender is newer by 13 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 2,501 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Land Rover Defender (182 HP) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1994 Land Rover Defender 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, 1994 Land Rover Defender 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, 1994 Land Rover Defender (312 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm). This means 1994 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Land Rover Defender | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 72 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2040 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
