1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 430 kg more than 1982 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 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
