1996 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 685 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW M3 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 1996 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
