2006 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic 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 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 741 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, 2006 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2006 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Civic | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1586 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
