1995 Dodge Spirit vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1995 Dodge Spirit 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Spirit (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 409 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 Dodge Spirit (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Spirit | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spirit | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
