2009 BMW 335 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 is newer by 28 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 335 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 335 weights approximately 757 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 2009 BMW 335 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 2009 BMW 335. 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, 2009 BMW 335 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 335 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 335 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 335 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1602 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
