2004 Renault Vel Satis vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 890 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Vel Satis | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vel Satis | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
