2006 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 26 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 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (79 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 508 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.
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 Volkswagen Polo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Polo | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1420 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
