2000 Smart ForTwo vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo is newer by 20 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 50 kg more than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2000 Smart ForTwo 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 2000 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2000 Smart ForTwo (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Smart ForTwo | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2410 mm |
