1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 15 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 930 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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Park Avenue | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3798 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
