1999 Oldsmobile Aurora vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora 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 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora (251 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora weights approximately 875 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Oldsmobile Aurora (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aurora | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3995 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
