2003 Buick Regal vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2003 Buick Regal is newer by 22 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Regal (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Regal weights approximately 715 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, 2003 Buick Regal (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Regal | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
