2003 Mazda Tribute vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2003 Mazda Tribute is newer by 23 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Tribute (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 555 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute will offer significantly more control. 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 Mazda Tribute (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Tribute has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Tribute 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:
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tribute | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
