2001 Smart ForFour vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,713 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForFour weights approximately 120 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForFour | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForFour | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
