1995 Ford Ranger vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1995 Ford Ranger is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Ranger (148 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Ranger weights approximately 583 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 Ford Ranger (257 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Ranger | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ranger | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
