2004 Acura NSX vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Acura NSX is newer by 23 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Acura NSX weights approximately 640 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 2004 Acura NSX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Acura NSX (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura NSX | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |
