1998 BMW 730 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1998 BMW 730 is newer by 18 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 730 weights approximately 935 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.
Because 1998 BMW 730 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 1998 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1998 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 730 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
