2008 Pontiac G5 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2008 Pontiac G5 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Pontiac G5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac G5 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac G5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 2008 Pontiac G5 (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac G5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2008 Pontiac G5 has manual transmission. 2008 Pontiac G5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Pontiac G5 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | G5 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2401 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
