2005 BMW 330 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 330 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 2005 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2005 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 330 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
