2004 Porsche 996 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Porsche 996 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Porsche 996 weights approximately 560 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 Porsche 996 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, 2004 Porsche 996 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, 2004 Porsche 996 (371 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2004 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2004 Porsche 996 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:
| 2004 Porsche 996 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 996 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 371 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
