1999 GMC Sonoma vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 GMC Sonoma is newer by 18 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Sonoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Sonoma (177 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Sonoma should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Sonoma weights approximately 655 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 1999 GMC Sonoma 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, 1999 GMC Sonoma 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, 1999 GMC Sonoma (332 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Sonoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Sonoma | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sonoma | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2410 mm |
