1996 Chrysler Cirrus vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Chrysler Cirrus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus (150 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus weights approximately 558 kg more than 1980 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 Chrysler Cirrus (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chrysler Cirrus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chrysler Cirrus | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cirrus | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
