1996 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Land Rover Discovery 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 3,944 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Land Rover Discovery (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1280 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.
Because 1996 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Land Rover Discovery will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Discovery (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Land Rover Discovery | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Discovery | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3944 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
