2006 Ford Fusion vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2006 Ford Fusion is newer by 25 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 2,278 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Fusion (160 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fusion weights approximately 870 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 2006 Ford Fusion 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 2006 Ford Fusion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2006 Ford Fusion (212 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fusion | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2278 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
