1995 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 14 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 330 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 146 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
