2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 5,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 567 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 860 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 684 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5506 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
