2002 Renault Espace vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2002 Renault Espace is newer by 21 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Renault Espace (177 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Renault Espace weights approximately 1035 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, 2002 Renault Espace (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2002 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Renault Espace | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Espace | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
