2008 Honda Element vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 28 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
