2000 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2000 Dodge Dakota is newer by 19 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 685 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 2000 Dodge Dakota 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, 2000 Dodge Dakota 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, 2000 Dodge Dakota (197 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2000 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2000 Dodge Dakota 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:
| 2000 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
