1998 BMW M vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1998 BMW M is newer by 17 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW M weights approximately 605 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 1998 BMW M 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 M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
