2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (137 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 485 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.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
