2004 BMW 116 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 BMW 116 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 116 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 116 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 116 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 BMW 116. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 BMW 116 (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 116 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 116 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 116 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 116 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
