2003 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2003 Fiat Barchetta 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 217 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 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Barchetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barchetta | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
