1995 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1995 BMW 318 is newer by 17 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 318 weights approximately 565 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 1995 BMW 318 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 1995 BMW 318. 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, 1995 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW 318 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:
| 1995 BMW 318 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
