1997 BMW 850 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
