2004 Renault Clio vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Renault Clio is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Clio (251 HP @ 7150 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Clio weights approximately 571 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Renault Clio 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 Renault Clio. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 Renault Clio (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2004 Renault Clio has manual transmission. 2004 Renault Clio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Clio | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Clio | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4650 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
