2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 21 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 30 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Lotus Exige | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Exige | Rabbit |
Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 177 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |